NY police helicopter forced into emergency landing after teen shines laser into pilots’ eyes
A New York State Police chopper, similar to this, was targeted in October with a green laser. New York State Police / Facebook
A 15-year-old boy from upstate New York was arrested after shining a green laser at a New York State Police helicopter over Buffalo, forcing the aircraft to make sudden evasive maneuvers and leave the area, authorities said Thursday.
The incident happened around 8:15 p.m. near Ashley and Person streets, when the laser beam repeatedly struck the pilots in the face. State police said the helicopter’s night-vision goggles did not protect against the laser, requiring the crew to quickly change direction to avoid being blinded.
The laser caused visual spotting that prevented the pilots from clearly seeing their flight instruments, though officials said no permanent injuries were reported.
The teenager was taken into custody Wednesday and charged with first-degree directing a laser at an aircraft, a felony under New York law. He was issued an appearance ticket for Family Court and referred to Erie County Probation.
State police warned that aiming lasers at aircraft is extremely dangerous, as it can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, increase the risk of collisions, and put both air crews and the public at risk.
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