A federal judge on Friday sentenced a Cheektowaga man to 18 months in prison after he was convicted of aiming a laser pointer at a commercial airliner as it approached Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo handed down the sentence to 31-year-old Joseph L. Crapsi following his conviction for pointing a laser at an aircraft, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York said. Prosecutors say the incident took place on March 2, 2024, when Crapsi directed a green laser beam at a Delta Air Lines flight while it was on final approach.
Why this matters for the Buffalo area
Authorities stress that directing lasers at aircraft can present a serious safety hazard, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Pilots can suffer temporary visual impairment or distraction from a laser strike, increasing risks for the flight crew and passengers on board.
"Pointing a laser at an aircraft can temporarily impair a pilot's vision and create a serious safety hazard during critical phases of flight."
The investigation was a coordinated effort between federal and local agencies. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department, the Cheektowaga Police Department and the FBI led the inquiry, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Craig R. Gestring.
- Who: Joseph L. Crapsi, 31, of Cheektowaga
- What: Convicted for pointing a laser at an aircraft
- When: Incident on March 2, 2024; sentencing announced July 11, 2026
- Sentence: 18 months in federal prison
Local context and enforcement
Residents who live beneath or near approach paths to the airport are reminded that actions taken from the ground can have immediate consequences for aircraft and crews overhead. Federal law prohibits aiming lasers at aircraft; prosecutions are increasingly brought in coordination with local police departments when incidents occur within the Buffalo area.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2, 2024 | Green laser aimed at Delta flight on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport |
| July 11, 2026 | Defendant sentenced to 18 months by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo |
This case underscores the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies in responding to threats to the region's aviation safety. Community members with information about similar incidents are encouraged to contact local police or airport authorities to help prevent future risks to aircraft and passengers.
