Federal authorities are currently looking for a person who pointed a green laser light at five airplanes flying above New York's Long Island and New Jersey Thursday night, risking air safety in the process.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the disturbing lights hit four planes while they were flying at an altitude of about 8,000 feet about 4 miles northwest of Farmingdale, N.Y. around 9:30 p.m. EST to 10 p.m., as well as one plane flying southwest of John F. Kennedy Airport at about 11:30 p.m., Reuters reported.
The targeted flights included American Airlines 185, Shuttle America 4213, Delta Airlines 2292 and 2634 flying above Long Island, and Sun Country Airlines 249 flying above New Jersey, according to Fox News.
While no injuries were reported for the incident, the Nassau County, N.Y. Police Department and the New Jersey State Police said they are investigating the situation. However, details about the investigation have yet to be revealed.
Aiming a laser pointer at a plane is "a serious safety risk" because it can "completely incapacitate pilots," the FAA says on its website.
Pointing a laser light at an aircraft is a federal crime and would result in five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
