In this stock photo, a green laser is pointed into the night sky. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen Lehmann.
MILWAUKEE — The Coast Guard announces Friday a monetary reward for validated information leading to the individual or individuals responsible for the illumination by green laser of a Coast Guard boat in Lake Michigan near Grand Haven, Michigan, Saturday.
This incident follows eight others on the western shoreline of Michigan over the past year, during which a Coast Guard search and rescue vessel or aircraft was deliberately illuminated by a laser.
About 11:30 p.m. Saturday a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Grand Haven was conducting a routine patrol when the side of the vessel was illuminated with a high-intensity green laser. The Coast Guard members immediately noticed the green laser, originating from either the north or south pier head entrance light, and quickly turned away. The laser hit the side of the vessel and did not injure any of the crew members’ eyes.
Green lasers present a significant risk to boat crews operating at night, and a delay during a search could result in the death of the person or people the Coast Guard is attempting to rescue.
Anyone who witnesses someone committing this federal crime should immediately call 911 to report the incident. Anyone with information about this or any previous case should contact the Coast Guard Investigative Service at 216-902-6140 or the Ottawa County Dispatch at 1-800-249-0911. Callers can remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward for validated information.
