Boy Held in Shining of Laser at Helicopter
EL MONTE — A 14-year-old boy was charged with a felony for shining a laser pointer at a police helicopter that was hovering above a party last weekend, officials said Monday.
Agent Bob Muse was “temporarily blinded by a laser shined in his eyes†early Saturday morning, according to a statement released by the El Monte Police Department. Muse was a passenger in the aircraft, observing through binoculars as party-goers were dispersed by officers below.
The minor was booked at the El Monte police station and then released to his parents. Authorities say it is a felony to point a laser at an aircraft because it can sometimes permanently blind the pilot.
Police Lt. John Burkhart added that some police guns have lasers attached to their sights.
“If you point one of those at an officer, he might think you’re aiming a gun at him,†he said.
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