A Garland, Texas, man was brought to justice after a brazen crime that put the lives of pilots at risk.
On August 2013, Steven Alexander Chavez, Jr., knowingly aimed the beam of a laser at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter. Chavez aimed the laser at the helicopter from the backyard of a friend, while the helicopter was flying overhead.
The incident occurred in Garland, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The 24-year-old was later arrested in Lubbock, Texas after a brief investigation.
Chavez pleaded guilty to an indictment charging one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. On today, he was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis to eight months in federal prison.
The FBI, Texas DPS, and Garland Police Department investigated the incident. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Burns prosecuted the case.
The incident highlights the growing concern of laser pointer attacks on aircraft, which can cause serious harm to pilots and passengers. This is a serious offense that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
As the investigation showed, the defendant’s actions were reckless and put the lives of many at risk. We hope that this sentence serves as a warning to those who would engage in such behavior.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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