Portland, OR. — Federal agents have arrested four individuals after a laser strike was directed at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter and another aircraft over Portland on September 27, according to a statement from FBI Portland.
Working with the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle, and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle, agents searched a residence connected to the incident. Investigators said the suspect allegedly aimed a high-powered laser at the CBP helicopter conducting law enforcement operations, as well as a second aircraft flying in the area.
When agents made contact at the residence, they encountered the subject and three additional inhabitants. All four were determined to be in the U.S. illegally and were transferred to the custody of ERO Seattle.
During the search, agents also recovered the laser device used in the incident.
Federal officials stressed the seriousness of the crime. “The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft,” FBI Portland stated.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to report any information related to laser strikes or other assaults on aircraft to law enforcement immediately.
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