Laser strike on DPS helicopter during Harris County manhunt, Texas Department of Public Safety says
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A DPS helicopter had a laser strike on the cockpit during a Harris County manhunt, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety - Southeast Texas Region.
According to DPS, the helicopter was helping the Harris County Sheriff's Office with a manhunt when a person, unrelated to the search, pointed a laser at the helicopter.
The laser momentarily illuminated the aircraft, putting the pilots in danger, officials said.
DPS said the flight crew was able to pinpoint the location of the laser and called the Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies to help in detaining the person responsible.
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The person involved will be charged with a class A misdemeanor for illumination of an aircraft, according to DPS authorities.
Officials told ABC13 that HCSO is handling the investigation, with representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration interviewing the flight crew and looking into the case as well.
"Shining a laser at an aircraft isn't funny, cool, or harmless - it's illegal and extremely dangerous," Texas DPS said in a statement.
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According to the Texas DPS, the penalty for pointing a laser at an aircraft can include five years in prison, fines up to $250,000, significant FAA civil penalties, and potential felony charges if it obstructs flight.
