Miami, FL - Authorities in Miami arrested a 45-year-old Brazilian man on Christmas Day for allegedly pointing a green laser at aircraft flying near Miami International Airport (MIA).
The suspect, Francisco Teixeira, has been detained after an American Airlines pilot reported being targeted by the laser while preparing for landing.
According to law enforcement, the incident was traced to the La Quinta Inn near the airport.
Officers investigating the complaint located Teixeira in a room at the hotel where they found a laser device matching the description provided by the pilot.
Miami-Dade Police confirmed the laser was being used to disrupt the operations of incoming flights.
Teixeira now faces charges of misuse of a laser lighting device, a serious offense under both state and federal laws.
He is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned repeatedly about the dangers posed by lasers directed at aircraft.
Such actions can temporarily blind or disorient pilots during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
The FAA noted that laser-related incidents have risen nationwide, with nearly 9,500 reported cases in 2022 alone.
Pilots are particularly vulnerable to laser attacks when flying at lower altitudes near airports.
Authorities have emphasized that this behavior not only endangers the lives of passengers and crew but also disrupts airport operations and safety protocols.