A Boston man was arrested yesterday for allegedly aiming a high-powered laser pointer at a Coast Guard helicopter during a training mission. Philip Gagnon, 59, is facing one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
Gagnon was released on conditions after an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. The indictment alleges that on September 21, 2023, Gagnon knowingly aimed a high-powered green laser beam at Coast Guard helicopter 6039 as it attempted to land at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The helicopter was part of a routine training mission with four crew members on board. In response to the laser beam, the pilot aborted the landing and flew north for several miles, eventually landing at another Boston area hospital.
The charge of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes governing the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Steven Firth, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Gagnon’s next court appearance is scheduled for [date].
The Coast Guard has taken a zero-tolerance stance on laser attacks on aircraft. In recent years, the number of reported laser incidents has increased, posing a significant threat to the safety of pilots and passengers.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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