A 27-year-old man suspected of shining a high- powered green laser at a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter during a street takeover in Paramount was taken into custody, police announced Tuesday.
At around 12:25 a.m. Saturday, officers from the Central Traffic Division's Street Racing Task Force responded to Alondra Boulevard and Vermont Avenue and found about 50 vehicles blocking the intersection, with numerous pedestrians standing in the road watching the takeover, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
During the street takeover, a suspect later identified as Brian Gutierrez pointed a high-powered laser at an LAPD helicopter. He then attempted to flee the area by entering the backyard of a residence in the 15800 block of Berendo Avenue in Gardena.
"Additional units from the Street Racing Task Force responded to the location. A search of the property led to the discovery of Gutierrez hiding in a detached structure, where he was taken into custody without incident," according to a police statement.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement that aiming a laser at an aircraft is dangerous because it can blind the pilot.
"While pointing a laser at a helicopter may seem harmless, the actions of this individual are both illegal and dangerous," McDonnell said. "The quick response of the Street Racing Task Force and our Air Support Division ensured the safety of our team, the public and led to the successful apprehension of the suspect."
Gutierrez was arrested and booked at the LAPD Central Station on suspicion of aiming a laser at an aircraft.
According to the police, he also had an active no-bail warrant, and a black laser pointer was recovered.
Anyone with additional information was urged to contact LAPD Major Crimes Division Detective Beard at 213-486-7280. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
