Lincoln, Neb. — Lincoln police arrested two people after a laser strike on a Nebraska State Patrol plane Tuesday night.
Around 11:30 p.m., a pilot and flight officer were patrolling the city when a laser beam struck their aircraft. Any laser strike is considered an in-flight emergency.
Troopers traced the light to the area of Portia and Knox streets in north Lincoln. The flight officer told police officers on the ground where the laser beam originated. Officers found two people at the spot. They seized a laser, drugs, and drug tools.
Alena Moniz, 43, and Jade Ways, 39, both from Lincoln, were arrested for drug possession. State troopers also cited Moniz for attempted second degree assault on an officer because of the laser.
Pointing a laser at a plane is a federal crime. The State Patrol reported the incident to the FAA. According to the FAA, there were 20 laser strikes in Nebraska in 2025.
