A 40-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly flashing a green laser light at a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department helicopter, the agency told NBC4 Investigates.
The helicopter was part of a patrol in the Lakewood area in southern Los Angeles County at the time. The crew radioed deputies on the ground, who took at man into custody a short time later. The man was found with a green laser light and arrested on suspicion of felony discharge of a laser at an aircraft, the sheriff’s department said.
The case will be forwarded to county prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges.
Laser strikes pose a serious safety threat to aircraft operations. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported 763 laser incident so far this year. Last year, the agency reported nearly 11,000 laser incidents, down from a 10-year high of 13,304 in 2023.
In February 2012, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act was signed into law, making it a federal crime to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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