A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

US: Man aimed laser at police helicopter during Detroit protest

A 32-year-old man faced federal charges after aiming a laser at a Detroit Police helicopter during a protest on August 23 2020.

The protesters were from the group Detroit Will Breathe, self-described as "an integrated, youth-led, militant organization fighting against police brutality and systemic racism in Detroit." During a march, at about 12:30 am, the helicopter was illuminated intermittently for about seven seconds by a laser. The pilot later told investigators that "the green laser beam resulted in temporary momentary blindness causing the incapacitation of the flight crew."

Video from the helicopter, a city bus, and local buildings led investigators to Michael Sam Hurd of Fennville, Michigan. In November 2020 federal agents raided Hurd's home. He admitted having a laser pointer.

On May 14 2021 he was charged with a federal felony with a maximum five years of prison time, and was released on $10,000 bail.

After the hearing, Hurd's lawyer said "This happened in the context of a Black Lives Matter demonstration going on, so it is not like it took place at an airport or anything…. This was during the protest march when there was excessive brutality done by the police force. Whatever actions on the part of my client — we are still trying to get to the bottom of it — I’m sure were done in defense of others.”

From the Detroit News and Fox 2 Detroit. The Detroit News article has many helicopter and surveillance photos of the incident.

US: 2 Coast Guard training missions cut short after laser tracks helicopters

Two Coast Guard training missions in Michigan were cut short after the pilot and crew were illuminated with green laser beams. One mission took place October 17 2014, the other mission three days later. The Coast Guard announced the incidents in a statement on November 5 2014.

The HH-65C Dolphin helicopters were based in Detroit. “During both incidents the lasers appeared to track the helicopters as they moved,” said the agency.

The Coast Guard has strict rules requiring helicopters to abandon their missions if illuminated with laser light. Anyone exposed is taken off flight duty for 24 hours, has their eyes dilated and must be cleared by a doctor before flying again.

From Ars Technica and the Lansing State Journal

US: 11-year-old denies aiming laser at Michigan airplanes

Pilots landing at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 17 2013 complained about a green laser being aimed at them from an area three miles to the east. Two days later, police responded to the same area, in the city of Kentwood, after “someone reported a similar light shining in their window.” In a nearby home where an 11-year-old boy lived, police found and confiscated a “high-powered” laser. The boy denied aiming at the planes. The investigation is still open.

From WWMT Newschannel 3 and MLive. A video news report is at WOODTV.com.