NEW YORK – A $10,000 reward is being offered by the FBI for
information leading to the arrest of individuals who aim lasers at airplanes.
There has been a more than 1,100 percent increase nationwide
in the deliberate targeting of aircraft by people with hand-held lasers since
the FBI began tracking laser strikes in 2005.
Laser incidents in New York were up 39 percent from 2012 to
2013.
Many of the New York laser incidents have injured pilots and
their crews, according to the FBI.
The latest injury was reported on Dec. 26,
2013, by a JetBlue pilot on approach to
John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The JetBlue pilot experienced blurry vision for over a week after being
temporarily blinded by a laser.
“Laser incidents are often viewed as harmless acts; this
couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Assistant Director in Charge George
Venizelos.
“A laser pointed at a plane’s cockpit could blind a pilot and down
an aircraft. We are asking anyone who knows anything about the recent spate of
incidents to pick up the phone and call the FBI for the safety of all who fly.”
There were 52 reported laser incidents in the New York area
in 2010. That number increased to 99 in 2013.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at
212-384-1000. A reward is available for information that leads to the arrest of
anyone involved in these incidents. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
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