WATCH: Laser strikes force CSP aircrew to abort landing attempt at Centennial Airport

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is warning parents and youth about the potentially deadly consequences of pointing a laser at aircraft after a CSP aircrew ran into the issue twice while attempting to land at Centennial Airport.

CSP says around 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 19, one of their aircrews was on their final approach to Centennial Airport when the cockpit was illuminated by a green laser coming from the left side of the aircraft. According to CSP, their crew decided not to land and began locating the source of the light.

Officials say the laser was pointed at the aircrew a second time, and CSP identified it as coming from a second-story balcony at a nearby apartment complex.

Video showed an adult on the balcony with children during the incident, says CSP. Troopers made contact with the apartment and explained the seriousness of pointing a laser, officials said.

The laser was confiscated, and the incident was reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, says CSP.

“A laser strike is not a harmless prank,” Trooper Doren said. “When a laser enters a cockpit, it can cause glare, flash blindness, disorientation or permanent eye damage. During takeoff or landing, even a momentary loss of vision can place the flight crew, passengers and people on the ground in danger.”

CSP reminds the community that aiming a laser at an aircraft can interfere with a pilot's ability to see and is a class 6 felony under Colorado law. Patrol says the crime is punishable by fines, up to five years in prison, or both.

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