DUNEDIN — A 62-year-old Dunedin man was arrested early Friday morning after deputies say he intentionally pointed a laser at a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter while it was assisting on a police call.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 3:47 a.m. on Friday, July 3, as the agency’s aviation unit was airborne assisting the Clearwater Police Department with a call for service.
While in flight, deputies aboard the helicopter reported being struck twice by a blue laser beam, which illuminated the aircraft’s cockpit.
Flight deputies were able to determine the apparent source of the laser and directed patrol deputies to a residence in the 1200 block of Sunset Lane in Dunedin.
Deputies made contact with Eric Gelman, 62, of Dunedin, and recovered the laser investigators say was used during the incident.
Gelman was arrested and charged with one count of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Despite the incident, the flight crew was able to safely return the helicopter to its hangar, where the aircraft was grounded.
Under Florida law, it is a third-degree felony to knowingly and willfully shine, point, or focus the beam of a laser lighting device at an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.
The investigation remains ongoing.