Atlanta, GA
Atlanta police helicopter hit by laser, man arrested
Atlanta police pilot’s message for individuals taking part in with laser pointers
It’s a hazard that retains developing the previous few months. Somebody on the bottom shining a lightweight up into the cockpit of helicopters and airplanes. One Atlanta police pilot is warning individuals who do this they may discover them and they are going to be arrested.
ATLANTA – Atlanta police arrested a person who they mentioned hit its air unit with a laser. APD was flying about 1,000 ft over Atlanta early Sunday morning when it occurred
Police launched video of the incident. It may be clearly heard the pilots telling the dispatch, “We’re getting hit by lasers. He is constantly hitting me within the face with the laser.”
Video exhibits the intense inexperienced gentle pointed immediately on the helicopter because it flew over Downtown Atlanta early Sunday morning.
“As quickly because it hit me, I turned to the proper and I might see it hanging us,” mentioned Officer Eric Lightkep, who was piloting the plane on the time.
“If it hits you immediately within the face, it makes you lose your eyesight, even when it is only for a number of seconds, and whenever you’re up there working the plane, it could result in a harmful scenario,” mentioned Officer William Treadwell who was working the digicam within the chopper.
From the air, they have been in a position to pinpoint the precise location of the place the laser was coming from.
“As quickly as he shined it at us, it is a direct line to his place. We had him immediately on digicam,” mentioned Officer Lightkep.
In a properly coordinated show of teamwork, officers on the bottom moved in and arrested Jamal Bard. Investigators mentioned he had a handgun with a laser mounted on it. Bard was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer, laser use towards an plane, laser use towards regulation enforcement, and cruelty to kids. Police mentioned the final cost was as a result of he used the laser within the presence of a younger youngster.
“It is harmful for us, it isn’t one thing you are able to do, and we do not take it flippantly,” mentioned Officer Treadwell.
That is the second case of lasers concentrating on regulation enforcement in metro Atlanta prior to now couple of weeks. Gwinnett County police arrested a 30-year-old man for concentrating on their helicopter with a laser.