Laser Aimed at Plane Causes Serious Risk | Colorado Springs News

A Colorado State Patrol plane nearly crashed during landing after a green laser was shone directly into its cockpit—forcing the pilot to abort. The beam traced to an apartment balcony where troopers confronted adults and kids, seizing the laser and turning it over to the FAA. This wasn’t an isolated incident: similar laser attacks had occurred in the same area for three nights prior. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a felony in Colorado—with up to 18 months in prison and $100K fines—and federally carries up to five years and massive penalties. In 2017, a Flight for Life helicopter suffered a similar strike that caused permanent vision loss to a respiratory therapist. The FAA reports over 13,000 laser incidents nationwide in 2024 alone—with more than 300 injuries since tracking began in 2010. Authorities urge anyone witnessing such behavior to call law enforcement immediately. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f4a550f5540a33bb