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Aircraft flying over Regina have become popular targets for people with laser pointers.
On Thursday, Regina police said their Aerial Support Unit (ASU) and other aircraft had experienced what they called “multiple instances of laser strikes” by people on the ground.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft poses a serious risk to the safety of those on board,” police said in a release. “It also endangers citizens below if the plane should crash as a result.”
Police detailed a number of times in which their plane had been targeted. Each time, the officers on board the plane used its technology to find the suspects.
The first alleged incident occurred in January and resulted in charges of mischief over $5,000 and mischief endangering life against a 34-year-old man.
On May 16, a 52-year-old Regina man allegedly aimed a laser pointer at the police plane and subsequently was charged with mischief endangering life as well as obstruction.
On July 29, police say a 34-year-old man was charged with mischief endangering life after he allegedly pointed a laser at the ASU.
Another incident occurred on Aug. 7, when a 50-year-old man was charged with two counts of mischief endangering life after an alleged laser strike. Police said they found the man had a laser pointer as well as a substance believed to be methamphetamine.
A fifth incident occurred Sept. 8, and resulted in a 48-year-old man being charged with mischief endangering life.
On Sept. 11, the police plane and another airplane flying over the city allegedly were targeted. Two men, ages 38 and 31, were each charged with mischief endangering life.
Police said the incidents weren’t related to each other and happened in different areas of the city.
“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,” police said.
“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 police service started using the plane in January and have said it has had great success since its launch.
Police and the Regina Airport Authority are asking people to report any incident where a laser or bright light source is pointed directly into the cockpit of an aircraft in flight. Reports can be made by calling the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500.