Man Accused Of Shining Laser Into MCSO Helicopter

PALMETTO, FL — A 22-year-old man was taken into custody late Wednesday after allegedly shining a laser into the cockpit of a Manatee County Sheriff's Office helicopter.

Vladimir Altman, who lives in The Palms at Rivera Dunes apartment complex on Haben Boulevard, was taken into custody and accused of shining the green laser from his balcony.

The helicopter was conducting a routine air patrol at the time, according to the sheriff's office.

"This action occurred numerous times with the laser entering the cockpit, making it extremely hard for them to see at times," the sheriff's office explained. "Upon confirming the address from which this was coming from, our [Tactical] Flight Officer] directed patrol units to the exact apartment."

The sheriff's office said that patrol deputies and Palmetto officers spoke with several people inside the apartment.

"Vladimir was identified as the suspect who pointed the laser at the aircraft," the sheriff's office explained. "MSO units took over the investigation due to our aircraft being involved in the incident."

The sheriff's office said Altman admitted to shining the laser at the aircraft. He was arrested and taken to the Manatee Sheriff's Office jail without incident.

The sheriff's office said they recovered the laser.