Two Lincoln residents are facing felony drug charges after authorities say a laser was pointed at a Nebraska State Patrol aircraft late Tuesday night. LPD Public Information Manager Erika Thomas says the Nebraska State Patrol AirWing notified LPD that one of its planes was being struck by a laser coming from the area of Portia and Knox.
“The Tactical Flight Officer aboard directed the patrol officer to the vehicle,” Thomas says. “The officer contacted the driver and seized the laser.” Thomas says a probable cause search of the vehicle located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia with residue.
The driver, 43-year-old Alena Moniz of Lincoln, and the passenger, 39-year-old Jade Ways of Lincoln, were arrested and taken to the Lancaster County Jail and booked for possession of a controlled substance. Moniz was also charged with attempted assault on an officer.
Thomas says the case highlights the partnership between local and state law enforcement through the Tactical Flight Officer program, which combines resources from the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol to patrol the city from both the ground and the air.
She says the incident is also a reminder that pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous. The beam can cause temporary flash blindness and severe vision impairment for pilots and crew, creating a significant safety hazard and potentially resulting in both state and federal criminal charges.
“The light beam diffuses across the windshield, leading to temporary flash blindness and severe vision impairment, Thomas says. “This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious
consequences, including state and federal charges.”
Alena Moniz Jade Ways
(Photo’s: Lancaster County Dept. of Corrections)