COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man accused of pointing a high powered laser at a county helicopter Friday night.
According to the sheriff’s office, a routine Kootenai County Regional Air Support Unit flight was endangered when a 30-year-old Coeur d’Alene man pointed a high powered laser at the helicopter.
Sheriff’s deputies used an infrared camera to identify the person accused of pointing the laser, which can interfere with aircraft safety. The Coeur d’Alene Police Department arrested the man and accused him of felony assault.
The Federal Aviation Administration and FBI have also been notified of the incident, with the sheriff’s office making clear that it will prosecute anyone who interferes with law enforcement.
“Any interference or threat to the crew’s safety is a threat to the public below, and every incident will be investigated and prosecuted,” Sheriff Robert Norris said.
