Home
A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use
New Zealand: Man charged with using "light sabre" to illuminate police helicopter 4 km away
17 Feb 2014 -- Categories: Aviation incidents | Arrests
An Auckland man faces up to 14 years in prison for shining a powerful laser almost 4 km towards the Eagle police helicopter.
On December 1 2013, Kristian Larsen aimed a blue laser “like a light sabre” from his home in central Auckland towards the aircraft which was taking off from the police helicopter base at Mechanics Bay. The laser beam led police to Larsen’s location, where he was arrested.
The 44-year-old man is charged with endangering transport.
Police said similar lasers are shown on YouTube videos as cutting through plastic and setting fire to objects. An investigation is ongoing.
From the New Zealand Herald
On December 1 2013, Kristian Larsen aimed a blue laser “like a light sabre” from his home in central Auckland towards the aircraft which was taking off from the police helicopter base at Mechanics Bay. The laser beam led police to Larsen’s location, where he was arrested.
The 44-year-old man is charged with endangering transport.
Police said similar lasers are shown on YouTube videos as cutting through plastic and setting fire to objects. An investigation is ongoing.
From the New Zealand Herald