A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

US: Three years probation for Utah man who aimed laser at medical helicopter

Michael Ray Kane (also identified as Ryan Michael Kane), 26
Coalsville, Utah, US

On August 28 2017, a medical helicopter traveling from Wyoming to Utah was illuminated by green laser light which “kind of distracted us from flying” according to the pilot. On the return trip from the hospital, the helicopter also was targeted by a green beam.

A man identified at the time as Ryan Michael Kane, 25, was arrested based on location information provided by the pilot. He was charged with violating the federal law prohibiting deliberate aiming at an aircraft, or the flight path of an aircraft. The felony carries a prison sentence up to 5 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

In March 2017 Kane pleaded guilty in return for a six month prison sentence.

At sentencing on July 12 2018, Kane (now identified as Michael Ray Kane) was sentenced to three years probation. He was prohibited from owning a laser pointer during the probation, and was required to undergo periodic drug testing during that time.

U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball may have decided on probation after hearing that Kane had come to realize that what he did was dangerous, had cooperated with investigators, had a child, and had stopped using marijuana. Kimball told Kane “I'm satisfied that you're finally growing up, but I'm telling you, do not get in any more trouble.”

From KSL.com (November 1 2017 and July 12 2018). Original LaserPointerSafety.com story here.

Northern Ireland: Two years probation for repeat laser offender

Karl Barkley, 20
Belfast, Northern Ireland


Barkley was sentenced June 8 2018 to two years probation for aiming a laser pen at a Police Service of Northern Ireland helicopter hovering above a crowd at a football (soccer) match. Barkley had also previously been convicted in 2015 of the same crime, recklessly endangering the safety of an aircraft, in addition to a criminal record of nine offenses.

The second offense occurred October 5 2017 during a World Cup qualifier game between Northern Ireland and Germany. The helicopter was monitoring the crowd at Windsor Park football ground when it was illuminated two times by laser light. The pilot could not fly by sight; he had to use instruments. The helicopter identified the laser as coming from a nearby home. Ground officers arrested Barkley while the helicopter retreated to the safety of Belfast City Airport.

At trial, it was noted that Barkley had a low IQ and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He was smoking marijuana in his bedroom at the time of the arrest.

The judge said a jail sentence “would not help society or prevent further offending.”

During his two-year probation, Barkley would receive help with his drug problems. The judge did note that if Barkley violated probation he “will go straight to prison.”

In 2015, Barkley’s laser conviction was dealt with by a youth diversion conference because of his age at the time.

From BBC News, Belfast Telegraph and Newsletter.co.uk

UK: Suspended 6-month sentence for London man who repeatedly lased NPAS helicopter

Limshin Chung Ching Wan, 42
Blackdown Close, East Finchley, London, UK


Limshin Chung Ching Wan laser NPAS

On March 10 2017, Chung Ching Wan was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for two years, given a six month curfew under electronic tag, and ordered to pay prosecution costs and £115 victim surcharge. In addition, the laser pen he used plus three other “powerful” laser pens were ordered destroyed.

His punishment came after a January 12 2017 incident where a National Police Air Service helicopter was illuminated by green laser light several times. A crew member momentarily lost vision; the pilot changed the helicopter’s direction to avoid the beam. Ground officers were directed to a location where Chung Ching Wan was arrested. He told officers he was an accountant making £45,000 (USD $60,000) per year and said “It’s really silly what I have done.”

On January 31 2017 he pleaded guilty to recklessly and negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or person in an aircraft.

From the Mirror and Police Oracle

UK: Nine months in prison for Birmingham man whose laser stopped a missing persons search

Luke Soulsby, 27
Birmingham, UK


Around June 1 2018, Soulsby was sentenced in Birmingham Crown Court to nine months in prison. He pleaded guilty to endangering the safety of an aircraft.

In October 2017, Soulsby aimed a laser for about 15 minutes at a National Police Air Service helicopter flying over Rubery in the West Midlands. The crew was searching for a missing person but instead began seeking the location of the laser.

According to police, the pilot was at “significant risk” due to the the disorienting laser light.

In December 2017, NPAS purchased laser-reducing glasses which can enable pilots to continue even when illuminated by laser light.

From Police Oracle

US: 104 hours community service, 3 years probation for Oklahoma City man who aimed laser at police helicopter

Travis Allen Jones, 30
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US

Travis Allen Jones laser Oklahoma City

On July 29 2017, a commercial airplane landing at Will Rogers World Airport reported being illuminated by green laser light. A police helicopter sent to the area was also illuminated by the laser.

Jones was located and arrested. He pleaded guilty in December 2017 to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.

During sentencing on May 22 2018, Jones said “I’m sorry to my family and anyone I harmed in this. I’ve learned that my actions have repercussions.” According to Jones’ defense lawyer, heroin use was a factor in the laser incident. Jones said he is now sober, has made life changes and the experience has been “eye opening.”

Jones was sentenced to 104 hours of community service, and must pay restitution of about $500 to the Oklahoma City Police Department. He was given three years probation.

Both the prosecutors and defense attorney sought probation for Jones as this was his first offense. Prosecutors said “The circumstances did not suggest that pilots or passengers of the aircraft were in immediate peril.”

Separately, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a civil penalty of $17,500.

From NewsOK

US: 18 months for California man who led police on a high-speed chase

Michael Vincent Alvarez, 32
Fresno, California, US


Michael Vincent Alvarez laser

On October 22 2017, Alvarez aimed a green laser beam several times from his car, towards a Fresno police helicopter. Police on the ground approached the car. Alvarez led them on a high-speed chase until he crashed into a center divider. He then ran from the car but was arrested in a backyard. He told police that he “thought it would be funny to point the laser at a helicopter.”

He was sentenced May 7 2018 to 18 months in prison.

US: 1.5 to 3 years in state prison for Pennsylvania man

Timothy M. Ebert, 38
Pottsville, Pennsylvania, US


Timothy Ebert laser

Ebert was sentenced March 15 2018 to 1-1/2 to 3 years in state prison for aiming a laser at a medical helicopter. In addition to serving prison time, Ebert must pay costs, $1300 in fines, $500 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, perform 10 hours of community service and submit a DNA sample to authorities.

On August 15, 2017, the Lehigh Valley Health Network MedEvac 7 was preparing to land when it was illuminated by a green laser beam. There was no injury to the crew. Ebert was arrested and charged with risking a catastrophe, possessing an instrument of crime, and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. He pleaded guilty to the laser-related charges.

In addition, he also pleaded guilty to charges in five other cases including: driving under the influence, fleeing or eluding police, driving under suspension, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving the wrong way, possession of a prohibited offensive weapon, possession of a small amount of marijuana, two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

From the Republican Herald