BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Boca Raton resident James McDonald, of Tradewinds Road, allegedly acted like an idiot by pointing a laser at a PBSO helicopter last night. It fortunately did not cause a crash or other mid-air incident, but it certainly could have. First, the arrest info from PBSO::
On July 9, 2014, at 11:50 pm, a white male subject was seen shining a green class II laser pointer in the cockpit of PBSO Eagle. James McDonald was identified as the suspect and arrested on the following charges: Public Order Crimes – Point a Laser Light at Pilot and Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device (Aircraft). He was booked into the PBC Jail. His current bail is $ 3000.
Now, this reminder also from police, who continue to experience this problem throughout the area:
There has been an ongoing problem with the misuse of a green laser that has been pointed into the cockpits of aircrafts landing at PBIA.
* Misuse of Laser Lighting Device is a 3rd degree felony.
* 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 and such act results in bodily injury commits a felony in the 2nd degree felony.
* If the aircraft were to crash it would be a 1st degree felony
Should anyone witness the misuse of a Laser Lighting Device please report it immediately to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the nearest law enforcement agency, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS or text to tips@cspbc.com.
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