CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — A Cheektowaga man is accused of aiming a laser pointer at an airplane.
Joseph L. Crapsi, 29, is charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
Assistant US Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is overseeing the case, says a complaint was made on March 1 just after midnight that a pilot of a Delta Airlines flight reported the air traffic control that he witnessed a green laser being pointed at the plane as it was approaching the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
The pilot told investigators that the laser originated one mile south of where the plane was approaching and lasted around 60-90 seconds. Officers from the NFTA were sent to the surrounding areas of Genesee Street, Dick Road and Cayuga Street in Cheektowaga to investigate, but did not find anything.
Shortly after, NFTA was alerted that Cheektowaga Police were responding to a call of a laser being pointed inside a house. Officers spoke to a resident on Nagel Drive who told them a green laser was shining through his kitchen window, blinding him. He also told officers he saw the laser being pointed into the sky multiple times.
Both NFTA and Cheektowaga Police went to a Nagel Drive home where they recovered a laser pointer in Crapsi's bedroom. Police say Crapsi's parents allowed officers to come into the house.
Crapsi appeared in federal court and was released on conditions. If convicted, Crapsi could face a minimum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
