Aerial search for a 9-year-old boy in Hörde, culminating in a pilot's temporary blindness caused by a laser pointer.
Man Under Investigation for Dangerous Interference with Air Traffic in Dortmund
A Dortmund resident is currently under investigation by the Criminal Police for allegedly endangering the safety of air traffic, following an incident that took place in an apartment on Niederhofener Straße in Hörde.
According to reports, the incident occurred at 21:35 when the helicopter crew stationed at Dortmund Airport was temporarily blinded by a laser pointer. The laser pointer incident, it is believed, may have disrupted the helicopter's operation.
Upon locating the suspect using special camera technology, the officers found the 37-year-old man using the laser pointer. The police patrol team drew their guns due to the recognized knife the suspect was holding. The suspect was then secured by the officers in front of the apartment door.
The officers conducted a risk assessment and informed the suspect of the consequences of his actions. The suspect, however, stated that he did not intend to disrupt the helicopter's operation.
The charge against the Dortmund resident is dangerous interference with air traffic (§ 315 Criminal Code). This offense specifically targets behaviors that jeopardize the safety of air traffic, whether by tampering with aircraft, air navigation, signaling systems, or causing dangerous disturbances through unauthorized activities.
Penalties for this felony offense range based on the severity of the offense. Convictions can involve substantial fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the consequences of the interference, such as causing an accident or near-miss.
For drone operations, German law treats drones as aircraft. Violations such as flying drones in restricted areas—especially near airports or over crowds—can invoke criminal charges under § 315 StGB, with fines reaching up to tens of thousands of euros and potential jail time in serious cases.
Local enforcement is strict in cities like Munich, where authorities actively patrol and use technical means to prevent interference with air traffic. If a drone is observed violating these rules, police can order immediate landing and drone seizure.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to air traffic regulations and the potential consequences of disregarding these rules. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
[1] Source: German Aviation Law (Flugverkehrsgesetz - FlugVG) and the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB)
The general-news story of a man under investigation for dangerous interference with air traffic in Dortmund also highlights the severe penalties for crime-and-justice offenses such as this, which can include substantial fines and imprisonment under section 315 of the German Criminal Code. Furthermore, this incident emphasizes the importance of adhering to not only air traffic regulations, but also drone laws in sports activities, as violations can result in criminal charges and hefty fines, even in cities known for strict enforcement like Munich.
