A man is facing felony charges for allegedly shining a laser at a Westchester police helicopter, according to News 12 New York. County officials say a pilot and a flight officer were temporarily blinded while the helicopter was flying along the Hudson River on Friday.
The crew reported that a suspect on a bike in Snowden Park had aimed a green laser at the cockpit, News 12 reported. Despite being temporarily blinded, the pilot was able to keep control of the aircraft and turn away from the beam.
Police later arrested 41-year-old Anthony Lopez and confiscated the laser, according to News 12. The broadcaster reported that investigators tied him to the strike that had briefly left the two crew members unable to see.
Lopez was arraigned on multiple charges, including assault, and is being held in county jail, News 12 reported. The station framed the case as a reminder of the danger that laser strikes pose to aircraft crews in the air.