On July 17, 2026, at approximately 11:32 p.m., a New York State Police helicopter was operating near Buckley Road in the town of Salina when the pilot reported that a green laser illuminated the aircraft’s interior.
The pilot used the aircraft’s thermal imaging system to locate an individual beneath an overhang near a picnic table who was allegedly directing the laser at the aircraft. The pilot relayed the individual’s location to troopers assigned to ground patrols for the Syracuse Nationals After Hours event.
Troopers located the individual, identified as a 16-year-old, and took the juvenile into custody without incident. A laser-equipped device was recovered and secured as evidence.
The juvenile was charged with Directing a Laser at an Aircraft in the First Degree, issued an appearance ticket for Onondaga County Youth Part Court and released to a parent.
The investigation is being handled by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at SP North Syracuse.
The New York State Police reminds the public that pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous and illegal. A laser can temporarily blind or disorient a pilot, impair night vision and jeopardize the safety of the flight crew, passengers and people on the ground. Never point a laser at an aircraft or toward the sky when an aircraft is present.