30-year-old man arrested for laser attack on helicopter, causing altitude loss; faces felony assault charges.

30-year-old man from Coeur d'Alene arrested for pointing high-powered laser at Kootenai County Sheriff's Office helicopter during routine patrol, disrupting night vision goggles & causing temporary loss of airspeed & altitude. The suspect was identified through helicopter's infrared camera & faces 3 counts of felony assault & disorderly conduct. FAA & FBI investigating, as interfering with an aircraft's operation with a laser can result in a maximum of 20 years in federal prison & a $250,000 fine.

August 17, 2024
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