SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — A man arrested earlier this month for pointing a laser at a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopter is now facing federal charges.
On August 1, SCSO’s Air 1 helicopter was on a regularly scheduled patrol when the crew was hit with an intense, green laser from below.
Using an onboard camera system, Air 1 crew determined the laser was coming from a home near Lidgerwood Street and Cozza Drive.
Deputies arrested 68-year-old Ernest Donlan, who eventually admitted to the crime. He was booked into Spokane County Jail for unlawful discharge of a laser.
Spokane Valley Police Department said pointing a laser at any aircraft is illegal because it is extremely dangerous and can distract crew members or cause temporary or permanent blindness.
Now, with the felony federal charges, Donlan could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
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