Two people have been arrested by the Lincoln Police after a laser strike on an NSP airplane. The incident occurred Tuesday evening.

At 11:30 p.m., an NSP Pilot and Tactical Flight Officer were performing aerial patrol above the city of Lincoln when their plane was hit by a laser from the ground.

NSP spokesman Cody Thomas said a laser strike constitutes an in-flight emergency.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous,” said Lt. Justin Grint, Commander of the NSP Aviation Support Unit. “A laser strike can temporarily blind a pilot, and at a minimum takes the pilot’s attention away from flying the aircraft. Never point a laser at an aircraft.”

Troopers determined that the laser came from the area of Portia and Knox streets in north Lincoln and communicated with Lincoln police on the ground, directing them to the area where the laser originated. They found two people, as well as a laser, plus a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, Thomas said.

Alena Moniz, 43, and Jade Ways, 39, both of Lincoln, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Troopers also went to the scene, and cited Moniz for attempted second-degree assault of an officer, in relation to the laser strike.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime.

NSP has reported the laser strike to the Federal Aviation Administration and the investigation remains ongoing. According to the FAA, there were 20 laser strikes reported in Nebraska in 2025.

© 2026 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!