Man Arrested After Months of Laser Strikes on Incoming Flights

Tampa, FL - Tampa police arrested a man who repeatedly aimed lasers at incoming flights over several months.

47-year-old Douglas Sollenberger is in custody after a months-long investigation into a string of laser strikes targeting incoming flights at Tampa International Airport.

Authorities say Sollenberger is believed to have pointed lasers at over 40 planes since January, posing a significant danger to pilots and passengers.

Following a collaborative effort with the FBI, Tampa Police narrowed down the suspect's location to South Tampa and conducted surveillance, culminating in witnessing Sollenberger aiming a laser at a Jet Blue flight on April 25th.

The pilot confirmed being struck by the laser.

Sollenberger was arrested at his residence, and a search warrant uncovered two lasers.

He faces charges of misusing a laser lighting device.