Florida Teen Discovers Consequences of Pointing a Laser at a Helicopter | Carscoops

      Helicopter cameras directed ground units straight to suspects in Tampa and Bradenton, both of whom are now facing felony charges.

      17 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Florida deputies apprehended two individuals for directing laser beams at helicopters.

      The strikes were recorded by helicopter cameras, which helped guide ground units to the suspects.

      According to the FAA, thousands of laser strikes are logged each year.

      There are many foolish ways to break the law, and even more foolish ways to end up in jail. Two individuals in Florida recently learned this lesson after aiming lasers at helicopters over the weekend. In both instances, police helicopters recorded clear video footage of the events and led ground units to the suspects. As a result, both individuals are now facing felony charges following their arrests.

      High-Def Evidence

      In Tampa, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that its aviation unit was ‘struck’ multiple times by a laser on September 21. By utilizing the aircraft’s high-resolution camera, deputies were able to direct ground units to the Avina apartment complex, where they apprehended 13-year-old Angel Lacen, whom they identified as the responsible party. Lacen was arrested and charged with misuse of a laser lighting device, which is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida.

      More: YouTuber Alex Choi Faces 10 Years For Helicopter Firework Lamborghini Stunt

      A few days earlier, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office encountered a nearly identical situation in Bradenton. Their Watch Unit reported a laser strike originating from a backyard while the helicopter was in the air. Deputies pinpointed the source and directed officers from the Bradenton PD and Florida Highway Patrol to the location.

      There, they arrested 39-year-old Tony Hill, who reportedly still held a pen-style green laser. Hill now faces the same charge as Lacen, which could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

      Both departments released impressive footage of the incidents in question. The advanced camera systems on board made it easy to pinpoint the exact laser location. Some readers may wonder, “What’s the problem with a laser?” It might seem innocent. However, the FAA has no record of any crashes involving planes or helicopters due to laser strikes, despite over 18,000 reports of such strikes on pilots in the past year and a half.

      Not Just Harmless Light

      That said, there is evidence that laser strikes can cause temporary blindness in pilots. In 2024, one pilot recounted that he only survived a temporary injury from a laser due to his modern airplane instruments, and he eventually regained full sight. Lasers can be enjoyable for people of all ages, but proper usage remains crucial. As the Manatee County authorities stated: “Shine a laser pointer at the Sheriff’s helicopter and expect to land in jail.”

      Lead image Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office