Michigan man arrested for aiming green laser pointer at police helicopter

A 53-year-old Oakland County man was arrested after allegedly aiming a green laser pointer at a Michigan State Police helicopter that was conducting a training exercise around 10:45 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023.Michigan State Police

HIGHLAND, MI – A Michigan man was arrested this week after he allegedly aimed a green laser pointer at a police helicopter conducting a training exercise in Oakland County, police said.

Around 10:45 p.m. on Monday, May 22, Michigan State Police troopers were flying a helicopter during a joint training exercise with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit when the tactical flight officer noticed a green laser pointed at the aircraft, according to a news release from MSP.

See a video of the incident here.

The officer identified the residence and the specific window from which the laser was emitted, police said. Troopers and deputies were directed to the residence where they contacted a 53-year-old male suspect.

The suspect was interviewed and arrested, police said. A green laser device was seized.

"We want to be very clear about this, if you point a laser at any aircraft and put the pilots, passengers or people on the ground in danger we will locate and arrest you," MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said in a statement. "We are continuing to see an increase in this dangerous behavior."

The incident pends prosecutor review for charges.

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