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US: Two separate arrests for aiming laser at sheriff's helicopter; in one, pilot blinded for 3-5 minutes
25 Sep 2020 -- Categories: Aviation incidents | Arrests | Eye effect or injury | Interrupting mission
In two separate incidents, a laser beam was pointed at the Volusia County (Florida) Sheriff's Office helicopter.
On September 22 2020, 29-year-old Ryan Hutton was arrested for aiming a green laser pointer at the helicopter while he was on a boat. The helicopter had been on a burglary call. The pilot's vision in his right eye was affected for about three to five minutes "like a flashbulb going off in front of his eye" according to a news story.
Hutton told arresting officers he thought the helicopter was a drone.
A day later, 60-year-old Gregory Marr aimed at the Sheriff's Office helicopter while they were conducting a search. Officers from nearby Flagler County were directed to Marr's home.
On September 22 2020, 29-year-old Ryan Hutton was arrested for aiming a green laser pointer at the helicopter while he was on a boat. The helicopter had been on a burglary call. The pilot's vision in his right eye was affected for about three to five minutes "like a flashbulb going off in front of his eye" according to a news story.
Hutton told arresting officers he thought the helicopter was a drone.
A day later, 60-year-old Gregory Marr aimed at the Sheriff's Office helicopter while they were conducting a search. Officers from nearby Flagler County were directed to Marr's home.
Gregory Marr
Both men were charged with pointing a laser at a driver or pilot.
From ClickOrlando.com