A Perth man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly targeting a police aircraft with a high-powered laser during a flight over the city's southeastern suburbs.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the Polair aircraft was conducting routine patrols over East Cannington. Police allege the 30-year-old local man deliberately shone the powerful laser beam at the cockpit, potentially endangering the pilots and compromising the aircraft's safety.
Swift police response leads to arrest
Following the dangerous incident, ground units were immediately dispatched to the area. Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect at an East Cannington residence.
"Targeting any aircraft with a laser is extremely dangerous and reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk," a police spokesperson stated. "The bright light can temporarily blind pilots, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing."
Serious charges laid
The accused has been charged with unlawfully aiming an optical device at an aircraft, a serious offence under aviation safety laws. He is scheduled to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday to face these charges.
Police have seized the high-powered laser device as evidence and continue their investigations into the incident. Authorities are reminding the public that pointing lasers at aircraft carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment, due to the significant safety risks involved.
This incident serves as a stark warning about the serious consequences of interfering with aircraft operations, with WA Police reinforcing their zero-tolerance approach to such dangerous behaviour.
