SALINA, N.Y. — A 16-year-old is facing charges after New York State Police say they allegedly pointed a laser at a State Police helicopter during the Syracuse Nationals After Hours event Friday night.
According to State Police, the incident happened around 11:32 p.m. on July 17 near Buckley Road in the Town of Salina.
Investigators say the pilot of a State Police helicopter reported that a green laser illuminated the aircraft’s interior while it was flying in the area.
Using the helicopter’s thermal imaging system, the pilot located an individual beneath an overhang near a picnic table who was allegedly directing the laser at the aircraft. The pilot then relayed the person’s location to troopers on the ground assigned to patrol the Syracuse Nationals After Hours event.
Troopers located the individual, identified as a 16-year-old, and took the juvenile into custody without incident. Police say they recovered a laser-equipped device, which was 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 New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at SP North Syracuse.
State Police are reminding the public that pointing a laser at an aircraft is both illegal and extremely dangerous. According to police, lasers can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, impair night vision and jeopardize the safety of flight crews and people on the ground.
Authorities urge the public to never point a laser at an aircraft or toward the sky when an aircraft is present.