Reward offered for information on laser strikes on aircraft coming from Effingham County

The FBI is offering a reward for those responsible for three laser strikes on aircraft approaching the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, coming from Effingham County.

From November 2019 to January 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration reported three laser strikes on airplanes that were traced to the same general area in Effingham County, about 10 to 15 miles northwest of the airport.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

When aimed at an aircraft, a beam of light from a handheld laser can travel more than a mile and illuminate a cockpit, disorienting and temporarily blinding pilots. It is a serious matter and a federal felony to knowingly point the beam of a laser at an aircraft.

The FBI is coordinating with the FAA and Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie.

Anyone with information about the three laser strikes is asked to contact FBI Atlanta at (770) 216-3000. If you see suspicious activity involving the use of lasers targeting aircraft, call 911, the Effingham County Sheriff Office at (912) 754-3449, or your local police department if outside Effingham County.

More information about laser strikes can be found at these FBI and FAA sites.