Crime & Safety
Parkville Teen Charged with Blinding Police Helicopter
A 13-year-old Parkville boy was arrested and charged after he allegedly blinded the crew of a Maryland State Police Helicopter using a laser pointer.
A Parkville teen faces reckless endangerment charges after he allegedly pointed a laser pointer at an airborne Maryland State Police helicopter.
The 13-year-old boy was charged last night as a juvenile. He also was charged with laser pointer misuse and released into the custody of his parents, according to a statement released by the Maryland State Police.
The Maryland State Police Helicopter was on a training mission shortly after 8:30 p.m. Monday when it was illuminated by a flash of green light.
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The light temporarily blinded those in the aircraft, including two pilots and a paramedic, according to the statement.
Using a spotlight, the helicopter crew was able to locate the teenager as he ran back into his home. The crew radioed , who then dispatched an officer to the juvenile's residence.
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The officer spoke with the teen and his parents and recovered the laser pointer.
"The use of a laser to target in-flight aircraft is a very dangerous and irresponsible act," said Major Mark Gibbons of the State Police Aviation Command in a press release.
Gibbons explained that parents should remind their children that using a laser pointer to point at an aircraft could lead to criminal charges.
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