FBI Offers Reward for Information in Laser Strike Incident

SAVANNAH, GA— Press Release FBI Atlanta Public Affairs Specialist Kevin Rowson (770) 216-3331

April 9, 2021

FBI Offers Reward for Information in Laser Strike IncidentThe FBI, in coordination with the United States Air Force, is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for a laser strike on an aircraft approaching the Savannah Air National Guard Base on March 9, 2021.

On that date at approximately 9:50 p.m., a United States Air Force aircraft was deliberately struck by a high-powered laser for about one minute. The laser caused temporary eye damage to a member of the flight crew and put the entire crew at risk.

Investigators believe the laser strike originated from an area northeast of Vidalia, Georgia (see maps).

When aimed at an aircraft, a beam of light from a laser can travel more than a mile and illuminate a cockpit, disorienting and temporarily blinding pilots. Its is a serious matter and a federal felony to knowingly point the beam of a laser at an aircraft. More information about laser strikes can be found here:

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/protecting-aircraft-from-lasers-trial-program-expanded

https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/

Anyone with information about the laser strike on March 9, 2021, is asked to contact FBI Atlanta at 770-216-3000 or go to tips.fbi.gov.