Crime & Safety
Laser Blast In Pilot's Eyes Forces Sheriff's Helicopter To Land
The Pinellas sheriff's office said the laser light was shined into the eyes of the pilot multiple times, causing him pain.
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — An Illinois man has been arrested after the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said he pointed a laser light at an airborne sheriff's helicopter Thursday, causing the pilot to experience eye pain and forcing him to land.
According to the sheriff's office, at 10:40 p.m., the helicopter was flying over Fort DeSoto Park in the area of 3500 Pinellas Bayway South when a green laser lighting device was shined at the helicopter multiple times.
Deputies on board the copter maintained visual contact with the man in Fort DeSoto Park using the laser and patrol deputies arrested him.
Find out what's happening in Pinellas Beachesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Michael Scott, 32, eventually admitted to pointing the laser at the helicopter, which struck the pilot's eyes several times, causing him pain and forcing him to land the helicopter in an open field in the park.
Deputies confiscated the laser from Scott and charged him with two counts of felony misuse of a laser lighting device.
Find out what's happening in Pinellas Beachesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Under Florida statutes, it's a third-degree felony if any person knowingly shines or points a laser light at an aircraft, boat or vehicle.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.