Keep up with Armagh i

Man (27) charged with shining laser and endangering life of pilot

laser police helicopter

A 27-year-old man has been charged with shining a light to dazzle or distract a pilot, endangering the safety of an aircraft, causing danger to road-users by using laser light and disorderly behaviour.

He is expected to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court tomorrow, Monday, February 11.

The charges are in connection with an incident in Lurgan on Saturday evening when a laser was shone at the Police helicopter.

The PSNI in Craigavon said the helicopter was helping with “some proactive targeting of drug dealing” in north Lurgan on Saturday when the incident happened.

It added that the police helicopter had tracked a laser 301 and a man was arrested.

“An attack on the helicopter is an attack on the community.” the PSNI spokesperson said.

“Whatever it is, the eye in the sky is a vital tool, and risking the the crew not only puts those on the ground at risk, but damages the service we can give the whole community.”

Local jobs

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

Christmas wishes from SRC

Operator’s Licence Notice

More in Lurgan