MARION COUNTY, FL – A Marion County man was arrested early Saturday morning after he was caught repeatedly shining a green laser beam at a Sheriff’s Office helicopter, obstructing the pilot’s vision.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 2, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Aviation Unit was conducting a security check when a laser beam struck the aircraft. Pilot Master Sergeant John Rawls’ vision was obstructed by the laser. However, Corporal Tim Marton used the helicopter’s FLIR camera to locate the source: 41-year-old Adam Santiago-Lugo standing in his driveway with binoculars and a laser pointer.
The aviation crew directed ground deputies to Santiago-Lugo’s location while he continued to shine the laser at the aircraft. Corporal Zezuski made contact with Santiago-Lugo, who initially resisted commands but was secured without further incident.
When questioned, Santiago-Lugo stated that he was “bored” and was “just being silly.” Deputies collected the laser pointer, binoculars, and a flashlight as evidence.
Santiago-Lugo was arrested and charged with Pointing a Laser Light at a Pilot and Resisting Arrest without Violence. He was transported to the Marion County Jail.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.