HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A DPS helicopter had a laser strike on the cockpit during a Harris County manhunt, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety – Southeast Texas Region.
In a social media post from Tuesday, the DPS agency said the helicopter was helping the Harris County Sheriff’s Office with a manhunt when a laser struck the cockpit.
The laser momentarily illuminated the aircraft, putting the pilots in danger, officials said.
The person responsible for the laser was located by law enforcement, according to the social media post.
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“Shining a laser at an aircraft isn’t funny, cool, or harmless – it’s illegal and extremely dangerous,” the post added.
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According to the Texas DPS, the penalty for pointing a laser at an aircraft can include five years in prison, fines up to $250,000, significant FAA civil penalties, and potential felony charges if it obstructs flight.
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