A Florida man was recently caught having a hobby of pointing lasers directly at incoming planes, after a JetBlue pilot experienced blinding laser beams.
Douglas Sollenberger, 47, is suspected of shining a laser beam on more than 40 incoming flights at Tampa International Airport since January 1, the Tampa Police Department said in a press release.
Police said the laser posed a serious danger to both the pilot and passengers.
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Police said Douglas Sollenberger, 47, was seen pointing a laser at the plane as it landed just after midnight Thursday. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
on thursday, jet blue pilot He admitted that he was exposed to a blinding laser beam while attempting to land at the Tampa, Florida, airport.
Officials said the pilot managed to land safely despite having impaired vision.
During the investigation, police located Sollenberger and conducted surveillance of his home.
The Tampa Police Department said Douglas Sollenberger pointed a laser at the JetBlue pilot. (St. Petersburg)
On Thursday, authorities executed a search warrant and found two lasers inside Sollenberger’s home, including one believed to have been used on the Jet Blue flight.
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Tampa Police Chief Lee Varcoe said this “could lead to a tragic accident.”
“These laser attacks are not only illegal, but incredibly reckless with the potential to cause tragic accidents,” Bercow said. “We appreciate the tireless efforts of our law enforcement officers and the FBI to bring this case to a close.”
Tampa police released a photo showing a laser pointed at the plane. (Tampa Police Department)
John Tiliakos, TPA’s executive vice president of operations, thanked law enforcement for their “diligent work.”
“Tampa International Airport is taking every step to ensure flight safety and is counting on the entire community to support our efforts,” said John Tiliakos, TPA’s vice president of operations. Told. “We thank our very closely partnered TPD and FBI partners for working diligently to protect our aircraft, passengers and crew. Never point a laser at an aircraft !”
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Sollenberger was charged with unauthorized use of a laser lighting device and taken to Orient Road Jail.
