SP: Hudson Valley Man Blinded Pilots Trying To Land In New York

A Hudson Valley man nearly caused a tragic accident when he blinded pilots trying to land a plane in New York.

New York State Police based in Manhattan announced the arrest of a Hudson Valley man who allegedly shined a laser-beam into an airplane as it was landing in New York

Orange County, New York Man Pointed Laser At Pilot As Plane Landed, PD

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Investigators from SP Manhattan BCI and CTIU-South arrested 22-year-old Samuel Colaj Ventura in Middletown, New York, last week. He was charged with directing a laser at an aircraft in the first degree, a class E felony.

Investigators from New York City and CTIU-South, with assistance from the North Plainfield, Plainfield and Branchburg Township Police Departments in New Jersey, conducted a criminal investigation into an incident after someone pointed a laser beam at a New York State Police aircraft during the landing process in Manhattan, police say.

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Middletown, New York Man Forced Pilots To Abort Landing

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The laser hit both the pilot and co-pilot in the eyes, causing them to stop the landing process, police say.

"The laser beam crossed into the eyes of the pilot and co-pilot, causing them to abort the landing. As a result of the investigation, Ventura was identified as the subject involved, and he was subsequently arrested," New York State Police stated in a press release.

Police did not say how the investigation led to Ventura's arrest or a possible motive.

Ventura was issued a desk appearance ticket returnable to Manhattan Criminal Court on Nov 11.

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