Arizona Man Sentenced for Aiming Laser at Air Force Jets

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

An aircraft in flight demonstrating the risks of laser strikes.

News Summary

Glenwood Arthur Bringle, a 56-year-old resident of Bagdad, Arizona, was sentenced to nine days in prison for pointing a laser at U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets during training exercises. The illegal act disrupted pilots’ visibility, highlighting a growing concern over laser strikes on aircraft in Arizona. Along with the prison sentence, Bringle will serve three years of supervised release and has forfeited firearms and laser devices. Legal authorities are focusing on curbing such dangerous actions to enhance aviation safety.

Arizona Man Sentenced for Pointing Laser at Air Force Aircraft

In Arizona, Glenwood Arthur Bringle, a 56-year-old resident of Bagdad, was sentenced to nine days in prison for his involvement in a felony offense that included aiming a laser pointer at U.S. Air Force aircraft. The sentencing took place on June 25, 2025, under the authority of U.S. District Judge Susan Brnovich. In addition to his prison term, Bringle was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

Bringle had previously pleaded guilty to the charges on February 26, 2025. The unlawful incident occurred on October 5, 2021, when Bringle pointed a laser at two F-16 fighter jets that were executing training exercises in the desert region near his home. The laser significantly disrupted the pilots’ visibility and their capability to effectively control the jets, prompting immediate legal action.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation into Bringle’s actions was conducted by multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. As part of his plea agreement, Bringle forfeited a number of firearms and laser devices that were confiscated during a search conducted on November 8, 2021. The prosecution of the case was carried out by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Rising Concern Over Laser Strikes

This incident is part of a growing trend in Arizona, where incidents involving laser strikes aimed at aircraft have become increasingly common. Previously this month, another individual was apprehended in Phoenix for pointing a laser at a law enforcement helicopter. Such aggressive actions not only pose a risk to military personnel but can also endanger the lives of those living in the surrounding areas.

Laser strikes on aircraft, whether they involve commercial airliners or military operations, present serious dangers and are a growing concern for aviation safety. The disruption caused to pilots can impair their ability to navigate and control the aircraft, potentially resulting in severe consequences.

Background on the Offense

Aiming lasers at aircraft is considered a felony offense due to the immediate and potentially catastrophic risks involved. Apart from causing distractions, the intense beam of light can cause temporary blindness or disorientation at critical moments during flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has documented an alarming increase in such incidents across the nation, with Arizona witnessing a notable rise in cases involving lasers aimed at both civilian and military aircraft.

Legal authorities emphasize the importance of discouraging these dangerous behaviors and prioritizing safety in airspace. Convictions such as Bringle’s serve as a vital reminder that such actions will be met with strict legal repercussions.