Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Investigations

Date

Washington Man Arrested and Charged With Pointing Laser at Aircraft

On April 19, 2018, Michael M. Mcintyre was charged by complaint in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and at the flight path of an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. On April 20, McIntyre was arrested, arraigned, and released pending further court action.  

On the evening of March 13, 2018, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reported an unauthorized green laser being pointed at commercial aircraft. At least one of the airplanes was able to describe the location of the laser. A King County Sheriff's Office helicopter, looking for the source of the laser, was also lased. As a result, the helicopter pilot had to take evasive maneuvers. The flight officer used a thermal camera to locate the source of the laser and called for deputies on the ground to locate the suspect, McIntyre. 

DOT-OIG is investigating this case jointly with the King County Sheriff's Department.

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.