Coast Guard seeks information after rescue crews lasered near Riviera Beach

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/22/2021 05:15 PM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 305-202-3735
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard seeks information after rescue crews lasered near Riviera Beach

Coast Guard Station Woods Hole 45-foot response boat-medium crew pulls up to the station pier on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The crew medevaced a sick woman from a sailboat and brought her to awaiting Emergency Medical Services. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman John Bowne.)

Editor's Note: Click on image to download high-resolution version.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Investigative Service agents are seeking information pertaining to a person or persons pointing a laser light on three separate occasions at Coast Guard rescue crews while underway near Singer Island. 

Following the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act, it is a federal offense to point lasers at Coast Guard vessels and cause bodily injury to an officer. Offenders of this federal offense can receive up to $25,000 in civil penalty fines. Criminal penalties can face up to 25 years imprisonment. 

It is a federal offense to direct laser pointers at aircraft under 18 U.S.C 39A and offenders can face up to five years imprisonment.

"Pointing a laser at any Coast Guard vessel or aircraft is extremely dangerous and a federal crime," said Special Agent-in-Charge Zinna James, CGIS Southeast region. "We encourage anyone with information about these incidents to report then to the CGIS tips app."

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact CGIS here or download their app. 

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

-USCG-