North Dakota Army National Guard helicopter crew reports laser strike over Fargo

FARGO (KVRR) – The crew of a North Dakota Army National Guard Airbus UH-72 Lakota helicopter reported being targeted by a green laser Thursday night near Hector International Airport in Fargo.

The Federal Aviation Administration tells KVRR Local News that the incident happened around 9 p.m. They say local authorities have been notified and will investigate.

A North Dakota National Guard spokesman says the helicopter is based in Fargo.

People who shine lasers at aircraft face fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Violators can also face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.

Nationwide, pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes last year.