Reckless 13-Year-Old Faces Felony Charge for Pointing Laser at Police Helicopter
A 13-year-old boy in Florida is facing a felony charge after he pointed a laser at a helicopter piloted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and told investigators he did so because he “was bored,” authorities said.
Shining Laser at Helicopter Lands 13-Year-Old in Legal Trouble
Deputies in the helicopter radioed for assistance after being blinded by green laser lights being flashed at them, according to bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s department.
Deputies Call for Backup as Teen Blinds Helicopter Pilot
“Get up and get somebody on this gentleman. He’s blinding our pilot,” a deputy is heard telling colleagues on the ground. As the helicopter tracked the light, they radioed locations to deputies in patrol cars, according to the video.
Teen Caught with Laser in Flare Gun, Admits to Dangerous Prank
Deputies who stopped the teen found a flare gun with a mounted green laser in his jacket, according to the department. The boy said he was shining the laser because he “was bored,” according to sheriff’s deputies. While seated in the back of a squad vehicle, the boy apparently says, “I didn’t know it was a police helicopter,” according to the video.
Felony Charge Laid for Misusing Laser – Serious Consequences for Teen
He has been charged with one felony count of misusing a laser lighting device, the department said. The boy is being held at the Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center and the incident remains under investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigation Ongoing as Teen Faces Serious Legal Ramifications