A Florida man's hobby of pointing lasers directly at an incoming plane was recently discovered after a Jet Blue pilot felt the blinding rays of a laser.
The Tampa Police Department said in a news release that Douglas Sollenberger, 47, allegedly pointed lasers at more than 40 incoming flights at Tampa International Airport since January 1.
Police said the lasers posed a serious danger to pilots and passengers.
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Douglas Sollenberger, 47, was seen pointing the laser at the plane, which was landing after midnight Thursday morning, police said. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
On Thursday, a Jet Blue pilot confirmed he was struck by the blinding light of a laser while trying to land at the Tampa, Florida, airport.
Authorities said that despite having reduced vision, the pilot managed to land safely.
During their investigation, police located Sollenberger's location and conducted surveillance of the suspect's home.
The Tampa Police Department said Douglas Sollenberger pointed a laser at a Jet Blue pilot. (iStock)
On Thursday, authorities served 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 it “could have resulted in a tragic accident.”
“These laser strikes 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 agents and the FBI to bring closure to this case.”
The Tampa Police Department released photos of the lasers pointed at planes. (Tampa Police Department)
TPA Executive Vice President of Operations John Tiliacos thanked law enforcement for their “diligent work.”
“Tampa International Airport is taking every measure to ensure flight safety, and we rely on our entire community to assist us in these efforts,” said John Tiliacos, TPA executive vice president of operations. “We are grateful to our partners at TPD and the FBI, with whom we work closely, for their diligent work to protect 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 Orient Road Prison.