Suspect tracked, arrested in Grosse Pointe Park after allegedly pointing laser at MSP helicopter three times [VIDEO]
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Michigan State Police are warning the public about the improper, and illegal, use of lasers after an incident earlier this week.
Officials at the MSP Second District say every summer they see an uptick in people pointing a laser at commercial aircraft and their own State Police aviation units.
Late on Monday, at around 11:30 p.m., Trooper 3 was helping Detroit Police with an incident, when the helicopter was hit by a laser light three times.
Trooper 3 was able to track the suspect to Grosse Pointe Park, where he was taken into custody, police said.
Releasing video of the incident, MSP is reminding Metro Detroiters that pointing a laser at an aircraft is a violation of both state and federal law, adding: "Don't find out the hard way like this person did."
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the crime carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and $250,000 fine. In addition, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $11,000 for each violation.
Lasers are dangerous, officials say, 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.
The names of the person arrested in this week's incident was not immediately released, with charges pending.
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