Thu, Feb 04, 2010
Several Incidents Prompt Notice From LA Law Enforcement
The Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE)
has distributed a notice to helicopter operators in the state
detailing what it describes as "suspicious" activity around
airports and leasing facilities. It also notes helicopters engaged
in behavior it considers unusual.
On January 21st, there was a report of a suspicious flyover at
Jonesville Lock & Dam in Jonesville, LA. The report indicates
that the operator on duty heard a noise and observed a helicopter
hovering directly over the lock and dam. Operator on duty states
that all he saw was a small flashing green light on the helicopter
and estimates that the helicopter, which was about the size of a
civilian medical transport type helicopter, was hovering
approximately 25 to 30 feet over the lock and dam for approximately
15 to 20 minutes.
The following day, a "suspicious individual" inquired about a
helicopter rental at the British Petroleum (BP)/Petroleum
Helicopters Inc (PHI) Heliport in Houma, LA. Security personnel
were advised that the individual was inquiring about helicopter
rentals. When security personnel asked for identification and the
individual refused and departed in a new model black Chevrolet
Impala.
On January 23rd and 24th, individuals were noted watching a
helicopter leasing facility at Mouton Cove South near Abbeville,
LA. A similar event occurred at Watercraft Leasing in Broussard, LA
on the 28th. According to information that was received, security
personnel discovered two male subjects observing the helicopters
from outside the fence. When security approached, the subjects
evaded by driving through a grassy area and back onto the road.
LA-SAFE has also received a suspicious activity report regarding
a helicopter flying over a port facility in Orange, TX on January
22nd. The report indicates that the helicopter flew over the
facility twice.
LA-SAFE says helicopter operators can assist in determining the
level of threat that exists by maintaining awareness, and gathering
pertinent information such as license plate information, aircraft
tail numbers, and descriptions of vehicles or persons and reporting
them to local law enforcement.
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