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A laser pointed from Windsor at a Detroit police helicopter in flight prompted a call to local authorities earlier this week — and a warning about the dangers of interfering with aircraft.
In an email to the Star, the Detroit Police Department confirmed that several laser strikes, appearing to have originated from the Canadian side of the Detroit River, were directed at the department’s air support unit Monday night.
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The incident was reported to Canadian authorities.
Windsor police confirmed they received a call from Detroit police following the incident, which led to an investigation on this side of the border.
Police said officers conducted a search of the reported area for a suspect but did not locate a person or any evidence.
The investigation is no longer active.
Aiming a laser at an aircraft can cause an accident by distracting the pilot and creating a blinding glare that interferes with their ability to see and navigate safely.
“Shining a bright light, such as a hand-laser, into airspace is now a designated provision,” Windsor police spokesperson Const. Andie Suthers said in an email Wednesday afternoon.
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“A law enforcement officer can issue you a fine under the Contravention Regulations or a monetary penalty on the spot. The fines are the same as for those possessing a hand-held laser where you shouldn’t be.”
Intentionally interfering with the ability of flight crew to perform their duties is also a criminal offence, police said. That includes intentionally shining a laser at an aircraft, which distracts a pilot and can interfere with his or her ability to safely land the aircraft.
Offenders could be charged under the Aeronautics Act and face fines of up to $100,000 and/or up to five years in prison.
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