In a serious breach of aviation safety laws, a man from Redding, California, was apprehended for targeting aircraft with a laser pointer at the Redding Airport. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, was promptly addressed by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Reports of a green laser interfering with aircraft operations during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, were received around 10:40 p.m. on March 13. The Redding Aircraft Control Team quickly pinpointed the source near Primrose Avenue and Fig Tree Lane, leading law enforcement to the location.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered multiple individuals in the vicinity of a residence on the 20000 block of Fig Tree Lane. Michael Ybarra, 36, was identified among them and confessed to using the laser against the planes. Further investigation revealed Ybarra’s status as a felon on probation in Shasta County for grand theft.
Ybarra was taken into custody and faces charges for unlawfully discharging a laser at an aircraft, in addition to probation violation. He was subsequently jailed at the Shasta County Jail.
The SCSO used this incident to underscore the gravity of pointing lasers at aircraft, highlighting the felony classification of such actions, which could lead to a sentence of up to three years in prison. This case serves as a stern reminder of the potential hazards and legal consequences of endangering aviation safety.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, krcrtv.com
