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By Bill Goldston |
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September 24, 2010
- Joseph Aquino, 31, of
Aquino was
indicted on charges he interfered with the safe operation of an aircraft
and endangered the passengers and crew on September 15, 2010, when he
allegedly illuminated the cockpit of an incoming commercial flight on
final approach to U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha was joined at a news conference today at T.F. Green State Airport by federal, state, and local law enforcement and aviation agencies; the U.S. Coast Guard; and a representative of the International Pilots Association to highlight the dramatic increase in the number of aircraft lasering incidents in Rhode Island, New England, and across the nation. They also addressed the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement and aviation agencies and prosecutors to investigate these incidents, and arrest and prosecute those responsible. |
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According to
figures provided by the FBI, in 2008, approximately 1,000 instances of
lasering aircraft were reported nationwide. In comparison, through
August of this year, 1,700 incidents have occurred around the country.
In At Thursday?s news conference, U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said, ?Let there be no mistake: We take these alleged violations of federal law very seriously. The safety of our nation?s airports, and everyone who flies in and out of them, is of critical importance. The type of conduct alleged here, as detailed in the affidavit filed in connection with the initial federal arrest of Mr. Aquino, is no joke. It is no harmless prank. It endangers lives, and unfortunately, there have been similar lasering incidents in this area and around the country.? Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI?s Boston Field Office added, "most often, lasers are pointed at aircraft during critical phases of flights?while they are at low altitude when taking off or preparing to land. Any brief distraction in the cockpit during this time can be catastrophic. |
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