Sydney man arrested for allegedly aiming laser beam at police aircraft
A Sydney man has been arrested after allegedly aiming a laser pointer at a police plane last night.
The 39-year-old is accused of shining a green laser pointer at the PolAir 7 fixed wing aircraft as it flew over the suburb of Shalvey in the city’s west.
Police said the laser beam interfered with the crew, especially the police, jeopardising their safety.
After 8pm officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad spotted the man in his driveway and seized the laser pointer from him.
He was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station and charged with act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
The man was granted conditional bail and will appear at Mount Druitt Local Court on July 6.
Laser pointers with a power level greater than one milliwatt are classified as a prohibited weapon and require a permit through the Firearms Registry, if needed for work or astronomy.
NSW Police warned of the danger of laser pointers last year.
“Remember, we have a birds-eye-view from the air and can easily identify where a laser beam is coming from,” Aviation Commander Detective Superintendent Brad Monk said.
“At no distance and in no circumstance is it safe to point a laser at aircraft.
“Laser beams can impair the eyesight of those on board and endanger the lives of the crew and the public.”
