Laser device aimed at Riverside police helicopter

Riverside news headline from the Riverside Police Department:

The Riverside Police Department Air Unit has experienced several recent incidents involving laser devices being intentionally pointed at their police helicopter while in flight. In some instances, the bright light from the laser has
caused a distracting glare, which can affect the pilot’s vision and ability to safely control the aircraft.

As a result, these actions place the pilots and the citizens of Riverside in immediate danger each time the violation occurs.

The act of intentionally discharging a laser device at an aircraft while in flight is a violation of the law and is punishable by imprisonment and or accompanied fines:

California Penal Code Section 247.5 ~ “Any person who willfully and maliciously discharges a laser at an aircraft, whether in motion or in flight, while occupied, is guilty of violating this section, which shall be punishable by a misdemeanor by
imprisonment in a county jail for up to a year OR a felony by imprisonment in the state prison for up to 16 months, two years, or three years, or by a fine of two thousand dollars.”

Anyone with any knowledge of this crime is encouraged to immediately call 911 and report the violation.

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