Rockford Man Admits Aiming Laser Pointer At Aircraft

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — A Rockford man has pleaded guilty to pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft.

Forty-five-year old Brenton Wells entered the plea Tuesday in Rockford federal court. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced, scheduled to occur on Dec. 10.

Prosecutors say Wells was standing in the backyard of a Rockford home Dec. 6 and knowingly aimed a laser pointer at the aircraft as it flew overhead.

The laser beam can cause temporary blindness for the flight crew of any aircraft.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

In:
• Rockford