Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A 15-year-old has been arrested for pointing a laser at a State Police helicopter in Buffalo late last year. Troopers say such an incident can be dangerous for flying and for the eyesight of pilots.
State police say back on Oct. 16, a New York State Police Aviation Helicopter was working a detail in the City of Buffalo near Ashley and Person Street. While in flight, Trooper James O'Callaghan says the aircraft was struck repeatedly with a green laser. The laser struck both the pilot and flight officer in the eyes while wearing night vision goggles.
"When that laser hits the pilot's eyes and co-pilot's eyes, especially if they have night vision goggles, it completely blinds them for a few seconds. They can't see the gauges, they can't see what's going on. They can't see where their vehicle is going. Obviously, if this were happening in your car, it'd be a serious problem," explained O'Callaghan in an interview with WBEN.
This forced the pilot to change course to avoid further lasering.
Along with the assistance of the Buffalo Police Department, State Police conducted a thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of the 15-year-old juvenile.
O'Callaghan says as a parent, if you have kids who you buy these items for, talk to your kids.
"Never point any sort of laser device at an aircraft, whether it'd be an airplane - we have the Buffalo Airport right there, planes landing, coming and going, we have helicopters in the area. This is a very dangerous thing for our pilots, and for obviously, not only the pilots, but people on the ground. If something were to happen," O'Callaghan warned.
The juvenile was issued a Family Court appearance ticket and referred to Erie County Probation.