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A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use
US: Woman uses laser gunsight to play with cat; gun goes off and hits man
The teen was charged with negligent use of a weapon. The man was charged with violating bond conditions that prevented him from having a weapon.
From AP News. Thank you to Greg Makhov for bringing this to our attention.
Palestine & Israel: Palestinians use laser pointers to protest West Bank occupation
Handheld laser pointers being used by Palestinian protesters
From the Daily Sabah. Additional pictures of the laser pointer use is at the link.
COMMENTARY FROM LASERPOINTERSAFETY.COM
It does not appear the laser pointers were being used against police or soldiers, and it does not appear that the demonstrators were trying to harm persons. Instead, the laser use was to "annoy" illegal settlers and to gain attention for the cause.
US: Car drives by homes, aiming lasers at them
Homeowners are concerned about the safety hazards of the lasers, which are of unknown power and intensity. The Clinton County Sheriff's office is worried as well about the lasers possibly being aimed at other cars or at aircraft.
Enlargement of a video, taken by a homeowner, showing two lasers being aimed out the side windows of a car.
From Fox19
UK: €30000 fine for laser aimed at goalkeeper during European Cup semifinal
Three days later the English Football Association was fined €30000 (USD $35,600), primarily for the laser attack but also for two other disturbances (fireworks and booing) perpetrated by England fans.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) makes associations and clubs liable for inappropriate behavior on the part of their supporters "even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match." Article 16, section 2d of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations prohibits the use of "laser pointers or other similar electronic devices."
Schmeichel had told a referee that he was being targeted by a laser, prior to the penalty kick. After the match, he told the press "I did not experience it on the penalty kick because it was behind me on my right side. But I did experience it in the second half. I told the referee. And he went to say something to the other officials."
The goalkeeper did not indicate that the laser directly affected or impaired his play.
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, with laser light on his face near his eye, just before the penalty kick.
According to the Daily Mail, "The torch-style gadgets have been a problem at sporting events for some time - affecting Wayne Rooney and Jose Mourinho - but in recent years have been rarely seen at football matches. There is a law relating to them being used to endanger vehicles but would not cover individuals. It may be the offence would fall under an assault category."
Metropolitan Police were said to be considering a criminal probe as the match site, Wembley Stadium, falls under their jurisdiction.
From the Daily Mail and MSN. Thank you to Alberto Kellner for first bringing this to our attention.
UK: Protesters claim HS2 is aiming lasers at them; HS2 denies
A laser is aimed through the trees…
… and towards the camera lens
A protester said the laser beam was coming from the direction of the HS2 compound, and crossed the busy A413 roadway, posing a danger to passing vehicles.
HS2 reviewed the video. They said "none of HS2’s security teams carry laser pointers or pens – it would be irresponsible and unsafe to do so." They also pointed out that the video is not clear regarding the laser location or the person who is using the laser.
From the Bucks Free Press
UK: Green laser causes "grievous bodily harm" in daytime to man
Two other persons were illuminated by the laser but did not have eye effects.
Thames Valley Police are seeking information about the exposure.
From The Bucks Herald
NOTE: This appears related to protests over HS2 railway construction through the scenic Jones' Hill Wood area of Buckinghamshire. A few days later, a protester claimed that HS2 security personnel aimed a laser at their protest camp in the woods.
US: Police log complaint of laser aimed at traffic
06:41 CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL 2104050015
Occurred at Tuolumne Rd/Eagle Ridge Dr, in Sonora. Rpts someone is flashing a green laser pointer at traffic. Resp is on the left side of the road near eagle ridge on the hill. ///transferred to chp. . Disposition: Referred To Other Agency.
COMMENTARY FROM LASERPOINTERSAFETY.COM
This is part of our coverage of incidents where lasers are aimed at vehicles. While we do not publish all news reports of lasers aimed at aircraft, we try to publish all reports we see of lasers aimed at vehicles.
There are no studies or statistics regarding the relative frequency of aircraft lasings vs. vehicle lasings. Because the latter are rarely reported, we do list all vehicle-related incident reports we see.
US: Man in car aims laser gun sight at runner; later shoots motorist
Police were able to find the runner. At the time, he had thought that kids were playing around with a laser pointer. A detective said "He remembers the incident. He thought it was just some kids playing around with a laser pointer. So when I told him — and I actually showed him the video — he was shocked. He could not believe it.”
Police saw other social media with the same gun. They determined the owner was 19-year-old Traviance Polite Jr. They began surveillance to try and catch him with the gun.
They were not able to do so before an armed assault on April 6 2021. In a possible road rage incident, Polite fired twice from his car, over his pregnant girlfriend in the passenger seat, through the passenger window and into a neighboring car. The driver of that car was badly hurt and went to a hospital.
Traviance Polite Jr.
Polite was arrested the next day and provided police with a full confession to both crimes.
He charged with attempted second-degree murder, shooting from a vehicle, reckless display of a gun, carrying a concealed gun, and possession of a gun by a known delinquent.
From Clickorlando.com
US: Reports of protesters aiming lasers at drivers near Oregon capitol
Three arrests were made, including 18-year-old Anthony Villaneda who was charged with five counts of unlawful pointing of a laser.
From Business and Politics Review and a press release issued March 28, 2021 by the Salem Police Department.
US: Pointing lasers at Scientology cameras leads to Florida man's arrest
Robert Harris, 76, was charged with one count of felony criminal mischief. According to police, the damage cost was $2,091 to a total of six cameras on the three buildings.
On February 2 2021 Harris began providing tours of Scientology's locations in Clearwater, which is the location for the spiritual headquarters of the church and for the largest single Church of Scientology. During the tour Harris would point out the various surveillance cameras on the Scientology buildings.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, after his arrest Harris said "he usually carries a laser in his pocket to point at things, especially the night sky. But he said he never intended to damage Scientology’s buildings and now wishes there were an easier way to resolve his felony charge. 'I’d be happy to pay for the damages and write a letter of apology.' "
From the Tampa Bay Times. More information on laser pointers' potential for damaging cameras is here.
US: Indiana man used laser pointer to attract, expose self to child
On one occasion, used a laser pointer to gain the girl's attention to his bedroom window. He then pointed laser laser light at his exposed genitals.
According to a story from NWI.com, "Police said they responded to a similar complaint about Crowell from a different address in March 2019. Crowell told police at that time he was unaware others could see in his window."
On February 26 2021, Crowell was jailed and charged with indecent exposure, a misdemeanor.
From NWI.com
US: Coast Guard looking for info on Florida laser strike
Coast Guard seeks information after rescue crews lasered near Riviera Beach
MIAMI — Coast Guard Investigative Service agents are seeking information pertaining to a person or persons pointing a laser light on three separate occasions at Coast Guard rescue crews while underway near Singer Island.
Following the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act, it is a federal offense to point lasers at Coast Guard vessels and cause bodily injury to an officer. Offenders of this federal offense can receive up to $25,000 in civil penalty fines. Criminal penalties can face up to 25 years imprisonment.
It is a federal offense to direct laser pointers at aircraft under 18 U.S.C 39A and offenders can face up to five years imprisonment.
“Pointing a laser at any Coast Guard vessel or aircraft is extremely dangerous and a federal crime,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Zinna James, CGIS Southeast region. “We encourage anyone with information about these incidents to report then to the CGIS tips app.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact CGIS at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=878#
US: Coast Guard looking for info on Alaska laser strike
Coast Guard seeks information after laser strike hits Ketchikan boat crew
JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard is seeking information from the public in locating a suspect or suspects who pointed a green laser light at the cabin of a Station Ketchikan boat crew conducting underway operations Saturday night.
The laser strike occurred around 8:45 p.m., while the boat crew transited north in the Tongass Narrows. The point of origin reportedly came from an area near the intersection of Baranof Avenue and Carlanna Lakes Road.
The crew aboard the 45-foot Response Boat-Medium immediately averted their eyes and transited north out of range of the laser. Laser pointers can cause danger to Coast Guard boat crews due to glare, afterimage, flash blindness or temporary loss of night vision.
“Laser strikes jeopardize the safety of our boat crews,” said Capt. Stephen White, commander, Coast Guard Sector Juneau. “It is important for the public to understand that using these lasers irresponsibly is dangerous. It not only puts our boat crews at risk, but it also degrades our ability to respond in emergency situations, which means we may not be able to help if a mariner needs us.”
Causing the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the navigable waters of the United States is a felony crime under 46 U.S. Code Section 70014.
Coast Guard Investigative Service agents are working to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact investigators at 907-463-2117 or anonymously at CGIS tips: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=878#
US: Protester accused of aiming laser at officers' eyes has felony charges dropped on technicality
An additional six counts of aggravated misdemeanor assault, related to the felony counts, can proceed since they were filed on time.
The protester is accused of aiming a laser at the eyes of several University of Iowa police officers during an August 31 2020 protest in Iowa City. The officers reported temporary vision loss, headaches and "other health problems."
To convict on the misdemeanor counts, prosecutors will have to show that the protester intended to inflict serious injury on the officers when he aimed a laser at them.
The 25-year-old protester was named Matthew Bruce at the time of the protests, and said he has since changed his name to Mate Farrakhan Muhammad.
From The Gazette and the Des Moines Register
US: Coast Guard looking for info on Portland laser strike
Coast Guard seeks information after laser strike hits Portland boatcrew
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard is seeking information from the public in locating a suspect or suspects who pointed a green laser light at the cabin of a Station Portland boatcrew conducting underway operations Tuesday night.
Coast Guard crews from Station Portland have been struck with lasers several times in the past six months.
The latest laser strike occurred around 10 p.m. and reportedly came from a building on the southern shore of the Willamette River west of the Fremont Bridge.
The crew aboard the 29-foot Response Boat-Small immediately conducted an on-scene health assessment after the strike and then safely transited back to base. Laser pointers can cause danger to Coast Guard boatcrews due to glare, afterimage, flash blindness or temporary loss of night vision.
"Laser incidents are incredibly dangerous, put the safety of our boatcrews in jeopardy and degrade our ability to navigate and respond to emergencies," said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Fogarty, enforcement chief, Sector Columbia River. "We ask the public to understand the dangers associated with playing with lasers and how they disrupt our crews from responding to mariners in distress."
Causing the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the navigable waters of the United States is a felony crime under 46 U.S. Code Section 70014.
Coast Guard Investigative Service agents are working to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact investigators via: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=878#
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A story in the Takoma News Tribune discusses the result of the health assessment: "The crew was evaluated on scene, but a spokesperson for Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest told McClatchy News in a phone interview that it cannot release the crew’s medical information."
US: Laser pointers used in Jan. 6 Capitol attack?
The relevant paragraph states: "D.C. police said Monday [Jan. 11] that one District officer remained hospitalized. They described many of the injuries as sprains and bruised arms and legs, but many others appear far more serious and caused by repeated blows from sticks, poles and clubs and laser pointers shined into officers’ eyes."
From the Washington Post
COMMENTARY FROM LASERPOINTERSAFETY.COM
Besides this one reference, LaserPointerSafety.com has not been able to find any other account or claim of laser pointer misuse during the Capitol attack.
There are videos of a rioter aiming a bright handheld spotlight at officers. We do not know if these are Capitol Police, or D.C. police called in to assist.
In the top screenshot, it appears an officer at the right side of the doorway is aiming a similar spotlight out towards the rioters. At bottom center is the only protester we have found with a light.
Click on either photo for link to original video
The bottom screenshot, from a video by Brendan Gutenschwager (@bgonthescene - Twitter) shows the spotlight. Despite the bright yellow sticker, after extensive searching we have not been able to find the model of the spotlight. Here is one that is similar:
It is not known if the rioter's spotlight was misidentified as a laser pointer, or whether there were laser pointers used elsewhere.
In extensive viewing of footage taken inside and outside the Capitol during the event, we have not been able to spot any laser light or other signs of pointer usage.
The riot took place during daylight hours, when laser pointers typically are not used during protests. There was a 6 pm curfew, enforced by D.C. police and other officers. It may be that pointers were used at dusk or after sunset which was at 5:02 pm that day.
In conclusion, if there was any laser pointer misuse at during the U.S. Capitol riot, it appears to be minor or inconsequential (or non-existent) compared with misuse at U.S. protests earlier in the summer.
For more information: We have listings of LaserPointerSafety.com stories tagged "protester", "riots", and "arrests at protest." We also have a page about Laser use during protests.