Man arrested for allegedly flashing laser at LA Sheriff's helicopter

The 40-year-old suspect was found with a green laser light and booked on felony charges.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 40-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night in Lakewood, California after allegedly flashing a green laser light at a Los Angeles Sheriff's Department helicopter that was on patrol. The helicopter crew radioed deputies on the ground, who took the man into custody shortly after. He was found with a green laser light and arrested on suspicion of felony discharge of a laser at an aircraft.

Why it matters

Laser strikes pose a serious safety threat to aircraft operations, as they can temporarily blind or distract pilots. This incident highlights the ongoing problem of people aiming lasers at aircraft, which has been a federal crime since 2012 due to the safety risks involved.

The details

According to the sheriff's department, the helicopter was conducting a patrol in the Lakewood area of southern Los Angeles County when the crew reported being hit by a green laser light. Deputies on the ground were able to quickly locate and arrest the 40-year-old suspect, who was found in possession of the green laser device.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday night.

The players

Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency whose helicopter was targeted by the laser strike.

40-year-old suspect

The man arrested and booked on felony charges for allegedly flashing a green laser light at the sheriff's department helicopter.

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What’s next

The case will be forwarded to county prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges against the suspect.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing problem of people aiming lasers at aircraft, which can temporarily blind or distract pilots and pose a serious safety risk. The federal law making this a crime reflects the gravity of such actions.