Colorado Man Arrested for Laser Strikes on Aircraft

Jose Alonzo Duarte-Campos, 41, was arrested in Commerce City, Colorado, after multiple pilots reported a green laser being aimed into their cockpits near Denver International Airport. The Colorado State Patrol's aircraft unit tracked Duarte-Campos as he repeatedly targeted both commercial and state patrol planes, then guided ground units to his location as he tried to drive away. Duarte-Campos faces a felony charge for unlawfully aiming a laser at aircraft, a misdemeanor DUI charge for drug use, and a charge for methamphetamine possession, and was found to have an outstanding felony warrant for dangerous drugs. Authorities emphasize the severe risks laser strikes pose to aircraft, including pilot distraction and incapacitation, which endanger public safety. The public is urged to report any such incidents immediately. All charges are allegations, and Duarte-Campos is presumed innocent until proven guilty.