A man has been charged with allegedly pointing a high-powered green laser at a WA police plane at East Cannington in Perth‘s south-east.

The aircraft was conducting patrols at 10.45pm yesterday when the laser was allegedly directed at the plane for three to four seconds, forcing crews to take evasive action.

Crews traced the source of the laser to a house in East Cannington using on-board infrared technology and directed police on the ground to the home.

A man was arrested and a search of the property was carried out.

A 39-year-old East Cannington man has been charged with causing fear or alarm with a laser to people in a conveyance and possession of a controlled weapon.

He will appear before Armadale Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 11.

Laser strikes on planes have the potential to impair crew vision, cause disorientation and result in temporary or permanent loss of vision, which can seriously compromise flight safety or bring down an aircraft.

WA Police has the technology and capability to identify anyone who targets aircraft with lasers. 

“These acts are reckless and dangerous, and those responsible will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” police said in a statement.

“It is an offence under the criminal code to direct a laser at an aircraft. 

“A conviction carries penalties of up to $36,000 in fines and/or imprisonment for a term of up to seven years.”