OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - A Madison Heights man is facing serious federal and state charges after he allegedly pointed a green laser at a Michigan State Police helicopter as it was patrolling Metro Detroit on Tuesday evening.
Troopers with Michigan State Police's Second District said their police aircraft, Trooper 2, was flying over Metro Detroit on May 16 when the crew was struck by a green-colored laser around 9 p.m.
After confirming the pilot and the tactical fight officer onboard the helicopter were OK, troopers began searching for the source of the light.
WWJ's Charlie Langton said the incident could've been a lot worse -- pointing a laser at any aircraft is a violation of federal and state law.
State police were able to identify an address in Madison Heights were the laser originated and reported the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration and to the Detroit Regional Communications Center.
Troopers dispatched to the address in the area of 26700 Osmun in Madison Heights came into contact with a male suspect who was then taken into custody.
A laser pointer was discovered on him at the time of his arrest, troopers said.
First Lt. Mike Shaw repeated that shining a laser at any helicopter, plane or drone in the sky is a crime.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the crime carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a quarter of a million dollars fine. In addition, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $11,000 for each violation.
Lasers are dangerous because the light floods the cockpit and can temporarily blind pilots and other personnel inside the aircraft.
While crashes caused by lasers are not common due to the skill of pilots, the FBI said the aircraft may have to divert from its mission -- and in the event of a medical emergency, that could mean life or death for the patient.
“We are fortunate the no one was hurt or the aircraft didn’t crash in this incident," Shaw said of Tuesday's incident.
The case remains under investigation at this time.