A federal jury has convicted an Omaha man of pointing a laser at an aircraft, putting the lives of pilots at risk. Michael A. Smith, age 30, was found guilty of aiming a laser pointer at an Omaha Police Department helicopter unit, known as the Abel 1, on July 11, 2012.
According to the investigation, the helicopter patrol had received a report that a Southwest Airlines flight had been struck by a laser pointer while in flight. The Abel 1 responded and was struck by a laser beam seconds after becoming airborne, causing the pilots to be temporarily blinded and distracted. The cockpit of the helicopter was repeatedly struck by the laser, forcing the pilots to seek ground support from a Deputy Douglas County Sheriff.
The Deputy was able to locate Michael A. Smith in his backyard, where he was actively aiming the laser pointer in the direction of the helicopter. Smith was arrested and is currently being held pending sentencing.
Michael A. Smith was convicted of aiming a laser at an aircraft, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2013.
Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences. It is a reckless act that puts the lives of pilots and passengers at risk. We are glad that justice has been served in this case.
Michael A. Smith, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of aiming a laser at an aircraft on July 11, 2012. The exact criminal charge is aiming a laser at an aircraft, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
This incident occurred in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 11, 2012. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2013. Michael A. Smith is currently being held pending sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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