Federal Jury Indicts Shreveport Woman for Endangering Air Traffic with Laser Pointer
In an unexpected development today, a federal grand jury in Shreveport, Louisiana returned an indictment charging local resident, April Nicole Poitras, with directing a laser pointer at multiple aircraft flying in Caddo Parish.
Details of the Indictment
According to reports, the 45-year-old resident has been charged with two counts of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, which is a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 39(A). The indictment alleges that on the evening of August 15, 2023, Poitras knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer at the flight path of a Cessna 172L aircraft and an Airbus H125 aircraft.
It’s pertinent to note that an indictment is just an accusation, and everyone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Possible Consequences
Considering the gravity of the violation, if convicted, Poitras faces stringent penalties including a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a hefty fine of up to $250,000 on each count in the indictment.
The Investigation
The indictment comes after a comprehensive investigation led by multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Blanchard Police Department, and the Baltimore Police Department.
Why are laser pointers a risk to aviation safety?
Laser pointers are not just disruptions; they carry a potential danger to aviation safety. A laser’s light is much more powerful and completely directed that it can travel great distances. When aimed at an aircraft’s cockpit, it can distract or temporarily blind the pilots, making it a significant safety risk. Pilots can end up losing sight of the flight panels and even the flight path.
More about the Laws involving Laser Pointers
Federal law prohibits the purposeful aiming of laser beams at an aircraft or its flight path. Violators are subjected to criminal penalties, including imprisonment and extensive fines. This law was put in place given the increasing incidents of laser attacks on aircraft, endangering the safety of pilots and passengers alike.
The case against Poitras will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth D. Reeg.