Florida man allegedly points laser at approaching passenger plane, police say
A Florida man’s penchant for allegedly pointing lasers directly at incoming planes was recently uncovered after a Jet Blue pilot experienced the blinding beams of a laser.
The Tampa Police Department said in a news release that Douglas Sollenberger, 47, allegedly targeted more than 40 incoming flights at Tampa International Airport with lasers since Jan. 1.
Police said the lasers posed a serious danger to both pilots and passengers.
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Douglas Sollenberger, 47, was seen pointing the laser at the flight, which landed after midnight Thursday morning, police said. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Thursday, a jet blue pilot confirmed that he had been hit by the blinding light of a laser while attempting to land at the airport in Tampa, Florida.
Authorities said that despite the pilot’s poor vision, he managed to land safely.
While investigating, police identified Sollenberger’s location and staked out the suspect’s home.
The Tampa Police Department said Douglas Sollenberger pointed a laser at a Jet Blue pilot. (iStock)
On Thursday, authorities conducted a search warrant and found two lasers inside Sollenberger’s home, including the one they believe was used on the Jet Blue flight.
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Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said this “could have resulted in a tragic accident.”
“These laser attacks are not only illegal but also incredibly reckless behavior that could have resulted in a tragic accident,” Bercaw said. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our officers and the FBI to close this case.”
The Tampa Police Department released photos of the lasers pointed at the planes. (Tampa Police Department)
TPA Executive Vice President of Operations John Tiliacos thanked authorities for their “diligent work.”
“Tampa International Airport takes all necessary measures to ensure flight safety and we rely on our entire community to assist us in those efforts,” said TPA Executive Vice President of Operations John Tiliacos. “We are grateful to our partners at TPD and FBI, with whom we work very closely, for their diligent work protecting our aircraft, passengers and crews. Never point a laser at an aircraft!”
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Sollenberger was charged with misuse of a laser lighting device and taken to the Orient Road Jail.
