Project 10073 Record — Torrance, California, 14 January 1968

This document details an investigation into a UFO sighting reported by an 11-year-old witness in Torrance, California, on January 14, 1968. The witness, who expressed a strong interest in UFOs and literature on the subject, claimed to have observed a 'flying saucer' at approximately 5:00 PM. According to the witness, the object was rounded, appeared solid, and exhibited a bright glare. It reportedly swayed back and forth while flashing red and white lights before swinging low and shooting straight up into the sky. The witness estimated the object's speed at 400 mph and its distance at 12 miles. The Air Force's Aerial Phenomena Office, led by Lt. Colonel Hector Quintanilla, Jr., initiated an inquiry into the event. They contacted the Torrance Police Department to verify if any other reports of unusual activity had been received. The Torrance Police Department, represented by Chief Walter R. Koenig and Captain Philip H. Wilson, responded on April 30, 1968, stating that they had not received any reports of unusual objects at 1700 hours on the date in question and were unable to conduct a thorough check without the witness's name. The Air Force ultimately classified the incident as a 'Possible (AIRCRAFT)' sighting, noting that the information provided was insufficient for a scientific investigation.