TAMPA, Fla. — After an investigation involving heavy surveillance, a Tampa man was arrested for pointing a laser at planes arriving at Tampa International Airport (TPA), a news release said Thursday.
Police started looking into a "series of laser strikes targeting commercial aircraft" earlier this month. According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), investigators were able to narrow down where the laser was coming from to a specific area of South Tampa.
The FBI assisted the agency in identifying the residence where they believed the lasers were being pointed from and helped conduct "extensive surveillance" of the homeowner.
They arrested 47-year-old Douglass Sollenberger after authorities witnessed him targeting an incoming plane, according to TPD.
Just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday, investigators were observing Sollenberger when they said he was seen with a laser light device. As officers continued to watch him, they said he pointed the laser directly at a JetBlue plane heading to TPA.
The pilot of the aircraft reportedly confirmed to officials that the plane was struck by a laser, and was able to land safely.
After the incident, officers arrested Sollenberger at his home.
Police then executed a search warrant on the property and discovered two laser devices, according to the agency. They said it's believed that one of the devices was used in the early morning laser strike.
Sollenberger was charged with one count of misuse of a laser lighting device, a third-degree felony.
TPD said they've investigated at least 40 incidents since the start of 2024 where suspects pointed lasers at arriving flights. It's an issue police say is extremely dangerous and can keep pilots from being able to operate the plane.
"These laser strikes are not only illegal but also incredibly reckless behavior that could have resulted in a tragic accident," TPD Chief Lee Burcaw said in a statement. "We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our officers and the FBI in bringing this case to a close."
TPA's executive vice president of operations said the airport works very closely with police and federal agents to protect their aircraft, passengers and crews.
