GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A man is facing possible federal charges after police say he shined a bright laser into the cockpit of a police helicopter.
A Gwinnett County police helicopter was being used to search for a stolen vehicle around 9 p.m. on Monday night in Lilburn when the pilot reported a green laser being pointed at the cockpit area of the aircraft.
The pilot contacted officers and led them to a home on Misty View Trail where the laser was coming from. When officers met with the person inside the home, Fredy Contreras, he initially denied pointing the laser at the aircraft.
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When Contreras was confronted with the fact that he was on video pointing the laser, he admitted to officers that he pointed the laser at the helicopter for fun.
Contreras was arrested for using a laser against an aircraft. The case will also be referred to the FAA to be presented to the US Attorney’s Office for possible federal prosecution.
Police wants to remind people that pointing a laser at any aircraft is extremely dangerous and can hinder the pilot’s ability to handle the aircraft and interfere with the equipment on board.
Cox Media Group
