Crime & Safety

Teen Charged with Blinding Maryland State Police Helicopter

A 13-year-old Parkville boy was arrested and charged after he allegedly blinded the flight crew 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, which is based out of Martin State Airport in Middle River, 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 Baltimore County police, 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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