Man Accused Of Pointing Laser At Gwinnett Police Helicopter Charged

DULUTH, GA — A Dalton man accused of pointing a green laser at a flying police helicopter Saturday at Pleasant Hill Road and Satellite Boulevard is facing charges.

Gwinnett County Police said an air unit was conducting an air security check when a green laser was pointed at the cockpit. Unable to pinpoint the laser's origin, the flight crew told officers to contact two people at a location.

Police said Aurelio Angeles Bautista, 36, was charged on suspicion of pointing a laser at an aircraft and taken to the Gwinnett County Jail.

The case will go to the Federal Aviation Administration and the FBI Atlanta office for follow-up.

"Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous because it can hinder the pilot's ability to handle the aircraft and interfere with onboard equipment. This activity is illegal due to the potential harm it can do to the pilots, the aircraft and the general public," police said in a news release.