According to Fairfax County police, the helicopter, Fairfax 1, was helping Virginia State Police in their pursuit when its crew spotted a laser being pointed at the chopper from an apartment complex. Utilizing the aircraft's FLIR system, the crew identified the source of the laser as a balcony apartment located in the 9200 block of Ashland Woods Lane.
Upon further investigation by detectives from Fairfax County's Special Investigation Division, the man responsible was identified as a 25-year-old. He was released on a secure bond after being charged with interference with the operation of an aircraft, a Class 1 misdemeanor in the Commonwealth.
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Commenting on the incident, Fairfax County police issued a stern warning on Facebook. "Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and also a very bad idea when that aircraft is a police helicopter," they said.
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Laser pointers can be dangerous for pilots as the intense light can cause temporary blindness and potential disorientation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that laser beam interference with aircraft is considered a federal offense, punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $11,000.
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Interestingly, this is not the first time a laser pointer has been used to interfere with an aircraft in the United States. According to the FAA, since the 1990s, laser strikes have been reported in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The FAA has also noted that the number of incidents involving laser pointers continues to rise each year. In 2020, the FAA received more than 11,000 reports of laser strikes, which has more than doubled since 2013.
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The American Medical Association (AMA) has also warned that laser pointers can cause serious eye injuries if shone directly into someone’s eyes. They advise people never to shine laser pointers at aircraft, as it is dangerous for pilots and people on the ground.
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The man responsible for the incident in Virginia has not been identified by name. Virginia State Police and Fairfax County Police have not responded to Fox News Digital's request for more information. Regardless, it is important to remember that pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense and a potentially serious risk to pilots and people on the ground.
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