'Laser Strikes' Reported Tues. On 3 Aircraft Near Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE, WA —The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating a new round of "laser strikes" on aircraft that occurred this week in the Seattle area, according to local news reports.

The strikes —essentially people shining lasers at aircraft, which could have potentially dangerous consequences —were reported to authorities and involved two commercial airplanes and one King County Sheriff's helicopter, according to King 5.

In the latter case, the King County Sheriff's Department said it was able to identify a suspect.

Authorities said they believe the recent strikes on the commercial airplanes originated somewhere near the Space Needle, though there was no word of any suspects having been identified.

The recent strikes come just a few weeks after the FBI's Seattle Field Office announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of people responsible for at least 100 strikes on local planes near Sea-Tac Airport earlier this year.

In fact, at least 45 flights around Sea-Tac were hit by a green laser over a two-week period in February, King 5 reported. Neighborhoods with reported incidents included: SeaTac, South Park, Highland Park, White Center, Burien, Normandy Park, and Des Moines, according to the FBI.

The FBI said the powerful laser pointers used in the incidents can interfere with a pilot's ability to land the aircraft and cause serious injuries to their eyes.

The FAA has said people who get caught shining lasers at aircraft can face fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents. The agency issues $120,000 in fines for laser strikes in 2021.

According to Fox 13, the Tuesday strikes on two commercial aircraft were reported by the flight crews on those planes at approximately 9:30 p.m.

One was reported by the crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 688, which was at 3,600 feet altitude and approximately 11 miles north-northwest of the airport when targeted. The other report came from Horizon Airlines Flight 2446, which was at 3,000 feet altitude and approximately 13 miles north of Sea-Tac when targeted.

The King County Sheriff's Office said its helicopter was out providing patrol support to partner agencies at approximately 10:20 p.m. Tuesday when a green laser pointer was pointed at the aircraft, lighting up the cockpit.

"Using the camera system on the helicopter, the aircrew was able to direct officers to the suspect. The suspect was contacted by Kent Police," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

The sheriff's office posted footage from the helicopter showing the suspect on the ground. However, the sheriff's office did not identify the suspect publicly nor reveal if the suspect had faced any legal action.

Anyone with information relating to laser strikes is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or online at the FBI-Tips website.