A man has been charged after two planes near Wellington Airport were allegedly targeted by a laser last night.
The 35-year-old was set to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court tomorrow, charged with endangering transport after the incident in the capital last night.
At about 6.45pm last night, air traffic controllers reported to police that a plane preparing to land at “was targeted by a laser.” Within five minutes, another plane reported a laser being pointed in its direction, police said.
“The information provided to police suggested the laser came from Stokes Valley.
“An officer already in Stokes Valley on unrelated matters was able to respond, and within 10 minutes, a man was located with a laser and taken into custody.”
Authorities have issued a warning about the dangers of improperly using lasers.
“Police are issuing a stern reminder to the public that the lasering of any aircraft is incredibly dangerous and police will continue to work to ensure anybody who is careless enough to shine a laser at an aircraft will be held accountable.”
