SAN DIEGO — Dangerous laser strikes targeting airplane and helicopter pilots are on the rise across the United States, reaching record-breaking numbers.
The Federal Aviation Administration received more than 13,304 reports of people shining lasers at pilots flying airplanes in 2023. The FAA received 311 laser strike reports in San Diego County alone, and 1,872 across California.
“The FAA is committed to maintaining the safest air transportation system in the world. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk,” said FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker.
According to the FAA, most high-powered lasers have the ability to incapacitate pilots who are usually flying airplanes carrying hundreds of passengers.
The FAA said pilots have reported 313 injuries since the federal government began analyzing and recording data on laser strikes in 2010.
San Diego laser strikes
San Diego accounted for more than 16% of laser strike attacks in California in 2023 and had the second-highest number of reported laser strikes in the state.
San Diego County law enforcement has been the target of various laser strikes.
In December 2023, Ruben Ricardo Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty to federal charges of aiming a laser at a San Diego County Sheriff’s Department helicopter.
Federal prosecutors said Rodriguez admitted to aiming a green laser beam at incoming airplanes flying near National City in June 2021.
During the incident, San Diego County Sheriff’s launched ASTREA, the department's air support helicopter, and responded to the location of the laser strike in National City.
Federal prosecutors said sheriff’s deputies were struck by the green laser pointed by Rodriguez, hitting one of the pilots in the eyes.
Rodriguez is scheduled for sentencing on March 4 in federal court. He faces up to five years in federal custody and a $250,000 fine.
Federal officials encourage the public to report laser strikes to the FAA here.
“Like many crimes, there's a need for education, outreach, and cooperation from the public to address this safety risk. We encourage you to report laser strikes to the FAA via our website or to your local law enforcement agency,” said Whitaker.
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