The Regina Police Service is warning the public of the serious consequences of pointing lasers at aircraft while the aircraft is in flight. This warning comes after multiple instances of laser strikes on the RPS Aerial Support Unit aircraft, as well as other aircraft flying over the city.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft poses a serious risk to the safety of those on board. It also endangers citizens below if the plane should crash as a result.
- The first incident involving the Regina Police Service Aerial Support Unit (ASU) occurred in January 2023. A 34 year-old male was charged with Mischief Over $5000 [CC 430(3), and Mischief Endangering Life [CC 430(2)].
- On May 16, 2023, a second laser strike involving ASU occurred. A 52 year-old Regina male was arrested and charged with Mischief Endangering Life [CC 430(2)] and Obstruction [CC 129(A)].
- On July 29, 2023, a male was located after pointing a laser at the ASU. A 34 year-old was arrested and charged with Mischief Endangering Life [CC 430(2)].
- On August 7, 2023, police arrested a 50 year-old male suspected in a laser strike incident. A search of the suspect revealed a substance believed to be methamphetamine along with a laser pointer. The male was charged with two counts of Mischief Endangering Life [CC 430(2)].
- On September 8, 2023, a male was pointing a laser at ASU. The 48 year-old Regina male was arrested and charged with Mischief Endangering Life [CC 430(2)].
- Most recently, on September 11, 2023, ASU was struck again and so was another aircraft flying over the city. Two males, 38 and 31, were arrested by Patrol and each charged with Mischief Endangering Life [CC 430(2)].
The incidents were not related to each other and there is not one specific area the suspects carried out the strikes from. In each of these cases ASU officers used the onboard technology to quickly confirm and locate the suspects.
The Regina Police Service is aware of multiple other aircraft also being hit with laser strikes and we will continue to investigate reports of this occurrence and hold offenders accountable. We would like to remind the public of the serious nature of this crime. Under the Criminal Code, the charge of Mischief Endangering Life carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Regina Airport Authority and the Regina Police Service ask that any incident where a laser or direct bright light source is pointed into the cockpit of an aircraft in flight, be reported immediately to the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500.
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