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US: Laser case dropped against perpetrator with "intellectual disability"
23 Jan 2020 -- Categories: Aviation incidents | Innocent/cleared
Charges were dropped January 22 2020 against a West Columbus (Ohio) man who aimed a green laser at local and state police helicopters on four days in July 2019.
When his home was pinpointed, officers went to the location. James M. Rhodes, 37, admitted pointing the laser at the aircraft.
He was indicted on felony charges of interfering with the operation of an aircraft with a laser.
After evaluation, a psychologist said Rhodes was unable to assist his attorney due to a "mild intellectual disability." Treatment would not help his condition, which was not severe enough to warrant institutionalization.
Based on the evaluation, the charges were dismissed.
From the Columbus Dispatch
When his home was pinpointed, officers went to the location. James M. Rhodes, 37, admitted pointing the laser at the aircraft.
He was indicted on felony charges of interfering with the operation of an aircraft with a laser.
After evaluation, a psychologist said Rhodes was unable to assist his attorney due to a "mild intellectual disability." Treatment would not help his condition, which was not severe enough to warrant institutionalization.
Based on the evaluation, the charges were dismissed.
From the Columbus Dispatch