On Friday September 22, 2023, at approximately 8:25 p.m. Lakeshore Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a dangerous conditions report, in Belle River, Municipality of Lakeshore.

NAV Canada – Windsor International Airport control, contacted Essex County OPP reporting that unknown suspect(s) had been shining a laser at a flight passing over the area. Patrols were made in the area, but a suspect was not located.

A laser is not a toy. Aiming a laser at an aircraft can cause a major accident by, distracting the pilot creating glare that affects the pilot’s vision, temporarily blinding the pilot. Intentionally interfering with the performance of flight crew to perform their duties is also a criminal offence.

OPP would like to remind everyone that shining a laser pointer at any driver, whether it’s a pilot of an aircraft or a vessel or even a driver of a vehicle, can be extremely dangerous. The magnitude of the beam is greater at distances despite the fact the observer may not be able to see light on the target. Just because you can’t see the focus of the beam on the target doesn’t mean that the target isn’t being hit.

If you have any information that can help identify the responsible individual(s) please contact Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.catchcrooks.com you may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.