16 Year Old Charged After Helicopter And Commercial Aircraft Struck By Laser

York Regional Police uniformed patrol officers, with the assistance of the Air2 helicopter have arrested and charged a 16-year-old youth after a laser was pointed at the Air2 police helicopter and two commercial aircrafts while flying over the City of Vaughan.

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, at approximately 8:40 p.m. Air2 was flying over the area of Parktree Drive and Lucena Drive on general patrol when the pilot and tactical flight officer were struck by a bright light source. The crew engaged in safety measures and were able to direct officers to the location of the suspect. The suspect was arrested and has been charged in connection with the incident. The youth has also been charged with similar incidents involving two incoming large commercial flights that were passing overhead which was reported to Peel Regional Police. There were no injuries to any of the crew or passengers and in all three incidents the aircrafts were able to land safely.

Charged:

Male, 16, the City of Vaughan

Charges:

Mischief Endangering Life X3

Common Nuisance X3

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in the Town of Newmarket on December 15, 2016.

York Regional Police reminds the public of the potential harm laser pointers can cause. Health Canada advises that a split-second look into a laser pointer can result in a condition called flash blindness. This is similar to the effect you get during flash photography, where the image of the flash remains in your eyes for a few seconds, then fades away. However, for a pilot in control of an aircraft flying over populated areas, the consequences can be serious. Those who aim these pointers at aircraft are putting lives in danger, not only in the aircraft but on the ground. There is a serious potential for harm to the pilot and the prospect of a crash.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is intentionally and recklessly putting people’s lives in danger,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “York Regional Police takes this offence very seriously and remains committed to ensuring the safety of all our officers and citizens, on the ground or in the air.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com, or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK.

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