Milwaukee man arrested for pointing a laser at FBI, National Guard aircraft flying over protests

Laser pointers are getting steadily more powerful and creating added safety risks for passengers on airliners taking off and landing at airports.

A Milwaukee man has been charged in federal court after pointing a laser at an aircraft that was tracking recent Milwaukee protests.

38-year-old Jeremiah Belen was charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft after committing the crime on multiple occasions, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators say that Belen targeted FBI and National Guard aircraft’s tracking protests throughout Milwaukee County during the week of June 1st as they monitored the area of 1st and Chambers.

The complaint said that pointing the laser “illuminated the cockpit,” of the aircraft, causing the pilots to be concerned for their safety.

Belen faces a hefty fine and up to five years in prison.

https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/milwaukee-man-arrested-for-pointing-a-laser-at-fbi-national-guard-aircraft-flying-over-protests