(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A 36-year-old west suburban man is accused of directing a laser pointer last week at aircraft, including a helicopter operated by state police.
An Illinois State Police pilot and spotter were participating in a traffic operation Thursday night when they encountered a laser pointer emanating from the ground, officials said. Using a camera, the troopers reportedly determined the light was coming from a yard in the 1200 block of Sunnyside Drive in Berkeley.
Federal aviation officials reported that airplanes departing from O’Hare and Midway airports reported similar experiences over the same area, Illinois State Police said.
When pointed into an aircraft cockpit, laser light can temporarily blind pilots, authorities say.
Illinois state police troopers and Berkeley police arrived at a residence and took Saul Martinez Castanon into custody. He has been charged with two counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly using the laser pointer against police and aircraft, officials said.
“Targeting aircraft with a laser pointer creates a safety threat that can put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Our ISP Air Operations did a phenomenal job identifying the source of the light and working with officers on the ground to arrest the suspect.”
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