Home
A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use
US: 21 months in jail for Florida man who aimed laser at police helicopter
Ryan Fluke, 28
Port Richey, Florida, US

On December 5 2017, a Pasco (Florida) County Sheriff's Office helicopter was illuminated about 10 times by laser light from the ground. The helicopter pilot landed in an empty parking lot, walked to the suspect's home, and detained Ryan Fluke.
Fluke told the pilot he aimed the laser for fun, and did not realize the laser beam could travel a long distance.
Fluke had 12 previous arrests in Pasco County. He was charged with misuse of laser lighting devices, a third degree felony.
He pleaded guilty November 20 2018 to aiming a laser at an aircraft and was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, in March 2019.
Port Richey, Florida, US

On December 5 2017, a Pasco (Florida) County Sheriff's Office helicopter was illuminated about 10 times by laser light from the ground. The helicopter pilot landed in an empty parking lot, walked to the suspect's home, and detained Ryan Fluke.
Fluke told the pilot he aimed the laser for fun, and did not realize the laser beam could travel a long distance.
Fluke had 12 previous arrests in Pasco County. He was charged with misuse of laser lighting devices, a third degree felony.
He pleaded guilty November 20 2018 to aiming a laser at an aircraft and was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, in March 2019.