Latest news with #DannWagner
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
FAA ranks Florida third in nation for lasers pointed at aircraft
The Federal Aviation Administration is reporting that laser strikes on aircraft nationwide are 'dangerously high,' with Florida ranking third among all states in 2024. The issue is not new, but it seems the incidents continue to give pilots another thing to worry about. Experts say lasers pointed at pilots can temporarily can temporarily impair their sight. Since the agency began monitoring these incidents in 2010, 328 pilots have been injured. In Orange County, pointing lasers at pilots, including a sheriff's helicopter, has led to multiple arrests in the past few years. Orange County has not seen any in the past year, but more than 12,000 other pilots did. While officials say those results are a 3% decrease from 2023, the numbers are still too high. California and Texas have the most incidents with more than 1,400. Florida came in third with 810. The report comes amid the most recent arrest in Florida. Dann Wagner, 61, was charged with felony misuse of a laser lighting device. Investigators say he pointed a green laser at a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office helicopter that was assisting in an assault case on March 27. Anthony Brickhouse teaches aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and says these incidents can be dangerous. 'I know just to the common eye, it doesn't seem that serious, but it can be a very serious situation. It could cause an accident. It could cause permanent damage to the pilot's eyes. So what a lot of people do, having fun, could end up being criminal at the end of the day,' he said. People who shine lasers at aircraft can face FAA fines up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Offenders can also face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison for a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties. Do you have a story for WFTV's 9 Investigators? Click the banner below to submit a tip.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Laser strikes reach 'dangerously high' levels, Florida ranks 3rd in U.S.: FAA
The Brief Laser strikes nationwide have reached "dangerously high" levels, according to the FAA. Florida ranked third in the nation in 2024 with 810. Experts say lasers pointed at pilots can temporarily impair their sight. ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. - The FAA is reporting that laser strikes nationwide are "dangerously high," with Florida ranking third among all states in 2024. By the numbers Last Wednesday, the FAA stated 12,840 laser strikes were reported nationwide in 2024. California boasted the most with 1,489, followed by Texas, then Florida with 810. Experts say lasers pointed at pilots can temporarily impair their sight. Since the agency began monitoring these incidents in 2010, 328 pilot injuries have been reported. Local perspective One day later, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office arrested a man in St. Pete Beach for pointing a green laser at their chopper, distracting deputies from an aggravated assault call. The suspect was identified as Dann Wagner, 61, who admitted to using the laser. He was charged with felony misuse of a laser lighting device. What they're saying "This individual should have known better," aviation expert Pete Traducco said. "There are some laser event recorders, especially in the police helicopters, the military helicopters, and that's how they can figure out where exactly the light came from." Traducco said for someone on the ground, a laser may disappear when pointed up to the sky. READ: Woman arrested for stealing over $20,000 from dead person: PSCO "But when you're in the air, it's much bigger," he explained. "It's very similar to when you're driving directly into the sun and at that one moment when the sun is directly on you, and unfortunately, you can't avoid it, even with sunglasses." The FAA said offenders can face civil fines of up to $11,000 and, criminally, up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested in St. Pete Beach after shining laser at helicopter: deputies
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested on Thursday after he was accused of shining a laser at a sheriff's office helicopter. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, around 10:47 p.m., the helicopter was flying in the area of 6850 Beach Plaza to assist deputies. Flight deputies said that they noticed a green laser being pointed directly at the helicopter multiple times. Flight deputies said they were able to spot the suspect, who was located on the balcony of a condo at Bahia Del Mar Circle. The suspect was identified as Dann Wagner, 61, who confessed to shining the laser lighting device at the helicopter, according to deputies. Per Florida State Statute, knowingly and willfully shining or focusing the beam of a laser lighting device on an aircraft or vehicle is a third-degree felony. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Wagner and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail. He was charged with misusing a laser lighting device. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
