FBI offers reward after 100 incidents near Sea-Tac where lasers have been pointed at planes

The FBI’s Seattle Field Office is offering a $10,000 reward for the public’s assistance to locate suspects responsible for pointing lasers at aircraft around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal violation that can cause serious injuries and travel delays. Since March, planes around Sea-Tac have documented more than 100 separate incidents involving lasers.

Pilots landing at the airport describe a green laser illuminating and tracking the cockpit of their aircraft while on approach to land at Sea-Tac. Neighborhoods with reported incidents include SeaTac, South Park, Highland Park, White Center, Burien, Normandy Park, and Des Moines.

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Federal and local agencies involved and assisting with the investigation are: the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, the Port of Seattle Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations

Members of the public who have witnessed an individual shining a laser at aircraft can report the incident to the FBI, FAA, or local law enforcement. Tip lines include 206-622-0460 (FBI’s Seattle Field Office), 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or tips.fbi.gov. The public may also e-mail the FAA at laserreports@faa.gov