A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

US: Orlando man arrested for aiming laser at sheriff's helicopter three times

An Orlando man wearing only boxer shorts aimed a laser three times at an Orange County Sheriff's Office helicopter on April 3 2019.

Ground officers were sent to the laser location, which was the home of Rodger Dean Smith, 47. He denied aiming the laser at the helicopter. Officers found a laser pointer in the home.


Officers outside the home of Rodger Dean Smith, from the Sheriff's Office helicopter infrared camera


Officers also found 12 firearms. As a convicted felon, Smith is prohibited from having firearms.

He was charged with 12 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, assault on a law enforcement officer, and pointing a laser at a driver or pilot.

After bonding out of jail, Smith said he did not aim at the aircraft: "They were wrong. I'll have my day in court. I did not point no laser, they do not know what they're talking about."

From the Orlando Sentinel and Spectrum News 13