Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo man has been arrested for pointing a blue laser at the Erie County Sheriff's Air 1 helicopter Sunday morning.
The arrest was made shortly after 12 a.m. Sunday when the helicopter's crew spotted the laser while patrolling over Bailey Avenue and Wecker Street in Buffalo. The aircraft was 1,000 feet in the air when the laser hit them.
The Sheriff's Office says the aircrew tracked down the location of the laser to Navel Avenue, a short distance away from Wecker Street. Buffalo Police arrested Heath after being informed of his location by Air 1.
"This reckless behavior will not be tolerated," Sheriff John Garcia said in a written statement. "Not only did it put our aircrew at risk; it put everyone in the vicinity at risk."
Derwin Heath has been charged with second degree Reckless Endangerment and second degree Directing a Laser at an Aircraft. He was released on an appearance ticket.
In addition to the charges against Heath, the FAA may also fine him $11,000 per-violation.



