Sylvan Lake RCMP says a green laser was allegedly pointed at a plane while it was in the air near Sylvan Lake.
The alleged incident took place on July 26 around 4:10 a.m. and the investigation is ongoing. Police are asking for the public’s assistance to gather more information on the incident.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft presents an enormous risk to the crew and passengers of the plane. The Sylvan Lake RCMP will take a zero tolerance approach towards these cases,” said S/Sgt. Jeff McBeth, Detachment Commander of Sylvan Lake RCMP.
According to police, intentionally interfering with the performance of flight crew to perform their duties is a criminal offence.
An example of such an offence would be intentionally shining a laser at an aircraft, which distracts a pilot and interferes with their ability to safely land the aircraft. Offenders could be charged under the Aeronautics Act. Anyone who is convicted of intentionally interfering with an aircraft by using a laser, could face a fine and/or a combination of prison time up to a maximum of $100,000 and/or up to five years in prison.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious offence and an extremely dangerous act,” said S/Sgt. McBeth. “We are asking members of the public who witness or know of any such incident to report it to the police immediately.”
RCMP are asking the public’s assistance for any information in relation to this incident, or identifying those responsible. Please contact Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-858-7200 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com.