Keith Connors

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Florida man busted for pointing laser at Pinellas County Sheriff’s chopper. On Thursday, a man was arrested for shining a laser at a helicopter belonging to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred while the helicopter was flying over Fort DeSoto Park near Pinellas Bayway South. The helicopter’s pilot reported that the green laser lighting device was pointed at his eyes multiple times, causing minor pain. As a precaution, the pilot landed the helicopter in an open field at Fort DeSoto Park.

After an investigation, it was revealed that 32-year-old Michael Scott was the person responsible for shining the laser at the helicopter. He admitted to the crime and the laser was recovered with his name on it. Scott was another Florida man busted and charged with two counts of felony misuse of a laser lighting device. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.

Shining a laser at an aircraft, whether it be a helicopter or a commercial airplane, is a serious crime. Not only is it dangerous for the pilots and passengers, but it can also cause consequences and can result in severe penalties. NewsChannel8