Chicago Man Accused Of Aiming Laser Pointer At CPD Chopper, Promtps Warning From FBI

CHICAGO — A Chicago man accused of aiming a laser pointer at a police helicopter has prompted a zero-tolerance warning from the FBI.

Ignacin Ramos, 36, was indicted in federal court on charges that he knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer on Aug. 11 at a Chicago Police Department helicopter. Ramos was indicted in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

The Chicago man pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday before U.S. Judge Mary M. Rowland. A status hearing was set for Dec. 3.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff’s The charge in the indictment is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. If convicted, the court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

According to the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, there has been an alarming increase in laser strike events in the Chicagoland area over the past few years. The FBI and partners are working closely with prosecutors to bring offenders to justice.

Laser beams can temporarily blind and disorient the pilot, potentially causing a fatal crash. Such strikes not only affect helicopter pilots but also pilots flying both small planes and large commercial aircraft. Pointing a laser is a direct threat to the safety of the pilot, the passengers and everyone on the ground below.

“Targeting aircraft with a laser pointer creates a safety threat that puts the lives of everyone on

that plane, and people on the ground, at risk,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a news release. “Despite being difficult to track, ISP successfully made an arrest in connection with an aircraft being targeted with a laser pointer in 2023, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those committing these dangerous acts to justice.”

Since 2012, federal statute has made it a felony to aim a laser pointer at any aircraft. It is illegal for people to aim a laser pointer’s beam at an aircraft—whether private, commercial, or military—or in its flight path. Criminals can be fined up to $250,000 and/or a federal prison sentence of up to five years.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may also impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 each time someone aims a laser beam at an aircraft.

If you spot someone unlawfully aiming a laser at an aircraft in the sky, report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visiting tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.