Person using laser pointer causes Med Flight pilot eye injury, forces cancellation of flight

[sl8]

From https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime/person-using-laser-pointer-causes-med-flight-pilot-eye-injury/article_de5f3331-8b8f-5976-82c5-661829fd867b.html

Person using laser pointer causes Med Flight pilot eye injury, forces cancellation of flight
CHRIS AADLAND
2 hrs ago


A Med Flight helicopter ambulance was forced to abandon a mission to pick up a crash victim in Columbia County on Tuesday evening after someone shined a laser at the helicopter, injuring its pilot and forcing it to abandon its flight.
Todd Brown

For the first time in its history, a UW Health helicopter ambulance was forced to cancel a flight Tuesday due to someone shining a laser pointer at its pilot.

The UW Health Med Flight helicopter was on its way to assist a crash victim in Columbia County on Tuesday evening when someone shined the laser at it, injuring the pilot and forcing its crew to abort the mission.

The helicopter tried to land in Pardeeville to pick up a 17-year-old side-by-side utility vehicle crash victim with head injuries when someone on the ground used “a strong laser pointer and shined it towards the helicopter,” said Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards.

He said the laser pointer made operating the helicopter unsafe for its crew and others on the ground.

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More at link.

[AZ Jim]

1. (5) years (no time off for any reason)

This idiot needs to serve as a good example for those who endanger others with those lasers. Let him feel the sting of his wanton disrespect for others.

[CaptYossarian]

2. I'm pretty sure it's a felony. So, you're right.