Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau, arrested a 13-year-old for felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device after he pointed a laser at the Sheriff’s Office helicopter.
According to deputies, on Thursday, April 19, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was airborne in the area of 7th Street Northwest and 11th Avenue in Largo when a green laser lighting device was shined at the helicopter. Flight deputies maintained a visual of the suspect and directed patrol deputies to the suspect’s location on the ground.
Deputies contacted the 13-year-old, who admitted to illuminating the helicopter with a laser lighting device. The laser was recovered and mounted on a flare gun.
He told deputies he intentionally aimed the laser at the helicopter because he was bored.
Per Florida State Statute, it is a third-degree felony for any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.
He was arrested and charged with felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device and transported to the Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center.
The investigation continues.