Who's Pointing Lasers At Coast Guard Helicopters? Authorities Seek Tips

MACOMB (WWJ) -  It's illegal, it's dangerous, and the Coast Guard is asking for help in finding whomever is shining green lasers at helicopters flying over Macomb and St. Clair counties.

The first incident occurred in mid October when a crew was conducting training over Lenox Township, according to officials. In that case, a green laser was flashed toward the chopper, the pilot and co-pilot aboard the helicopter spotted the laser and immediately turned the aircraft away from it and returned to Air Station Detroit.

On Oct. 20, a different crew was training near Clyde Township when a green laser was directed toward the helicopter. That pilot, co-pilot, and aircrew members spotted the laser and aborted the training session.

During both incidents the lasers appeared to track the helicopters as they moved.

Shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense, and "presents a significant risk to flight safety," according to the Coast Guard,  especially for helicopters working at low altitudes and aircraft taking off or landing and for boat crews operating at night.

"When the laser hits the helicopters windshield, essentially, the light from the laser actually expands and fills the cockpit," Chief Petty Officer Lauren Jorgensen told WWJ's Zahra Huber. "So it can be very dangerous, especially at night or in periods of low light, because it can damage a pilot's night vision."

"It compromises eyesight," she added. "And anytime this happens our pilots are forced to make, essentially, an emergency landing."

Jorgensen said pilots then need an eye exam to make sure that there's no damage to their eyesight.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call the Coast Guard Ninth District Command Center at 216-902-6117. A cash reward is available if a tip leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.