You are here: Home » News » Press Releases » Archives 2009 » 05_01_2009_01
May 1, 2009
Port of Seattle Police Department is working with Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound and Washington's Most Wanted TV show to aid the investigation into aircraft lasering incidents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Crime Stoppers will offer a reward for information that leads to an arrest and the investigation will be highlighted this weekend on a segment of Washington's Most Wanted on Q13 and MyQ2.
"Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious criminal activity that could potentially cause an aircraft accident," said Detective Sergeant Brian Drake, Port of Seattle Police. "We are hoping the additional publicity will alert anyone who may have information on past incidents or come forward and we want people to be alert to any suspicious activity they may witness."
Since February of this year, 26 aircraft have been targeted by lasers on approach to Sea-Tac Airport, including 14 during one half hour period. The red and green lasers can cause temporary blindness to the pilots that could affect the operation of the aircraft. Such a crime is a Class 'C' felony which could result in a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Port of Seattle Police Department detectives are working with Washington State Patrol, King County Sheriff's Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Air Marshalls to investigate these cases.
The Air Line Pilots Association is also participating in the Washington's Most Wanted story. One of the Association's pilots is interviewed in the story and they are alerting their membership to how important it is to provide detailed information for the investigation.
Washington's Most Wanted airs on KCPQ-Fox TV at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 9:30 p.m. Friday on MyQ2. Since the beginning of Washington's Most Wanted in November 2008, tips have helped capture 44 fugitives.
Crime Stoppers is a partnership between the public, the media and law enforcement. If an arrest is made, based on a caller's information, a reward is paid (up to $1,000) by Crime Stoppers.
Contact Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers offers two 24 hour/7 days a week "Hotline" for callers to use. The phone numbers are: 1-800-CRIME13 or 1-800-222-TIPS.
A tipster can also text crime tips to Crime Stoppers.