(Atlantic, Iowa) [updated 8:30-a.m.*]- Cass County Sheriff’s deputies were asked to search for a possible suspect in an aircraft laser targeting incident that reportedly took place Thursday night. The Cass County Communications Center was notified by Minneapolis Air Traffic Control (ATC) that an aircraft traveling at an altitude of about 3,600-feet reported to the ATC, the pilot had seen a blue laser light that they thought was pointed at their aircraft. Cass County deputies were asked to search the area of 770th and Tucson Road (Southeast of Massena) for a possible suspect.

A statement provided to KJAN by the FAA said: “The pilot of a single-engine Cessna 172 reported being illuminated by a blue laser approximately 40 miles southwest of Des Moines International Airport in Iowa around 8:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, Nov. 7. No injuries were reported. Local authorities were notified. The FAA will investigate.”

Image from FAA.gov

*In a text message, Cass County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Westering confirmed with KJAN “Deputies responded to the area. Aside from finding a residence in the area with blue lights on, nothing was found.”

The FAA says “Intentionally aiming lasers at aircraft[s] poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.” U.S. law enforcement agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration may seek criminal and civil prosecution against violators. People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents.