HIGHLAND TWP. (WWJ) – A man could be facing charges after he was caught shining a laser at a Michigan State Police helicopter.
The MSP helicopter Trooper 2 was conducting a joint training exercise with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Monday night near Highland Township when the tactical flight officer (TFO) noticed a green laser pointed at the chopper.
The TFO was able to identify the home it was coming from, as well as the specific window where the laser was emitted, according to MSP.
State troopers and Oakland County deputies were guided to the home, where they spoke with the 53-year-old suspect. He was interviewed on-scene and authorities recovered the green laser device.
Officials say the incident is still under investigation and possible charges are pending prosecutor review. The suspect’s name has not been released.
“We want to be very clear about this. If you point a laser at any aircraft and put the pilots, passengers or people on the ground in danger we will locate and arrest you.” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said in a tweet.
The crime carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the FBI. In addition, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $11,000 for each violation.
Shaw said authorities are “continuing to see an increase in this dangerous behavior.”
Just last week a Madison Heights man was arrested for a similar incident, while last December a person was arrested in Detroit.
In January a similar incident escalated on Detroit’s west side. A man was shining a green laser at the chopper, then eventually began firing shots, though none hit the aircraft. When police went to confront the man, he fired shots as they approached and authorities returned fire, killing him.
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