A Clovis man pleads guilty to laser strikes on aCHP plane
According to court documents, Jeremy Scott Danielson tracked and struck a CHP plane, Air 43, 18 to 20 times with a powerful green laser pointer.
Clovis police officers tracked it and found the 35 year old with a laser pointer in his pants pocket.
The laser pointer was the size of a flashlight (example of laser pointer above) and had a danger warning.
The laser strikes caused the pilot and tactical flight officer, who were conducting a routine patrol, to suffer flash blindness and watery eyes.
Reports of laser attacks have increased dramatically in recent years as powerful laser devices have become more affordable and widely available to the public.
This year, according to the FAA, there have been over 22 laser incidents reported each day in the United States.
Lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destination, endangering their crew members, passengers and people on the ground.
Danielson faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
