Louisiana Woman Shines Laser Pointers at Aircraft, Faces Up to 5 Years in Prison

SHREVEPORT, La. (KPEL News) - A Shreveport woman is in serious trouble after shining laser pointers at two aircraft, which is a major federal crime.

April Nicole Poitras, 45, of Shreveport, entered a guilty plea in federal court to multiple charges and faces up to 5 years in prison and up to a quarter million dollars in fines.

Get our free mobile app

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the guilty plea on Tuesday afternoon.

In August of last year, a Cessna 172L flying at 3,500 feed above Caddo Parish, was "illuminated by a green laser from the ground," according to information presented in court. The incident was reported to local law enforcement, who was called out to the scene in multiple vehicles, including a police helicopter.

However, the same green laser illuminated the helicopter, which helped a deputy from the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office identify Poitras, who was found with a laser pointer.

She admitted at the scene that she was purposefully aiming it at the aircraft. As a result of her arrest and guilty plea, Poitras faces a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Don't Aim Lasers At Aircraft

Laser pointers might seem like fun toys or useful tools, but they can become really dangerous when pointed at the sky, the FAA says. Aiming a laser at an airplane can blind or distract pilots, putting the lives of thousands of passengers at risk. In 2023 alone, pilots reported over 13,000 laser strikes to the FAA.

The danger isn’t just to the pilot and passengers; it extends to people on the ground as well. An out-of-control aircraft poses a threat to anyone in its path. In 2023 alone, over 13,000 laser strikes were reported by pilots to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), highlighting the frequency and seriousness of this issue.

What you might not know is that pointing a laser at an airplane is actually a federal crime. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and law enforcement take these situations very seriously, and if you’re caught, you could face both criminal charges and big fines.

The fines for shining a laser at a plane can be as much as $11,000 for a single incident—and up to $30,800 for multiple strikes. In 2021, the FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes. So, while a laser pointer might seem harmless, using it irresponsibly can have serious consequences.

Educating people, especially young individuals, about the dangers of laser strikes is crucial in preventing these incidents. Understanding the risks and the legal consequences can deter people from engaging in this reckless behavior. It’s essential to treat laser pointers with care and respect, recognizing that what seems like a harmless action could lead to catastrophic results.

Get our free mobile app