Staff Reports
In a startling turn of events, the Phoenix Police Department has confirmed the arrest of William Hill, a 35-year-old troublemaker, for his reckless and dangerous actions involving a laser pointer and commercial aircraft. The incident, which took place just before 5:30 p.m. on a fateful Thursday, sent shockwaves through the aviation community as Hill brazenly targeted planes preparing to land at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Man arrested after allegedly pointing laser at commercial plane then at police helicopter as they tried to stop him: cops https://t.co/I3PD91SkLG pic.twitter.com/b0aB314A7K
— New York Post (@nypost) December 25, 2023
According to the police statement, not only did Hill engage in this reckless behavior, but he also had the audacity to continue his dangerous game by aiming the laser pointer at a Phoenix police helicopter, even as patrol officers descended on the scene. It’s a miracle that no one was injured or worse, given the potential consequences of such foolish actions.
Following the arrest, officers discovered the very laser pointer used in this terrifying ordeal at Hill’s residence, solidifying his status as a true menace to society. The gravity of his actions is not to be understated, as he now faces two felony counts of aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft. Justice will surely be served for this outrageous conduct.
In response to this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a statement voicing their concern and the ongoing investigation into this distressing matter. The FAA emphasized the severity of laser strikes, with an alarming 9,500 reported incidents in 2022 alone. Furthermore, the consequences for such behavior are dire, with potential FAA fines reaching an astronomical $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. The FAA’s resolute stance on this issue is clear, as they revealed imposing a staggering $120,000 in fines for laser strikes in 2021.
This reprehensible behavior is a stark reminder that the safety and security of our skies should never be taken for granted. The swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending William Hill serve as a powerful example of holding individuals accountable for their reckless and dangerous behavior.
