'Mindless, senseless lunacy': Perth man arrested after laser light hits police chopper
A man has been arrested after a police helicopter was allegedly hit by a laser strike in WA overnight.
Police Air Wing officers were patrolling the Rockingham area when their helicopter was struck by a laser light about 12.30am.
The officers tracked the laser light to the backyard of a home on Silvertop Circle in nearby Warnbro.
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Police Air Wing officers were patrolling the Rockingham area in Perth when their helicopter was struck by a laser light about 12:30am on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. 9News
After locating a laser light in the home, police arrested a 44-year-old man.
He has been told he'll be charged by summons for causing fear or alarm with laser or light to people in conveyances.
Government minister Reece Whitby described the alleged crime as "mindless, senseless lunacy".
The man will be required to appear in court at a later date.
The offence can carry a fine of up to $10,000.
A police spokesperson said pointing laser lights at an aircraft could result in temporary blindness to the pilot.
A man has been arrested after a police helicopter was allegedly hit by a laser strike in WA overnight. WA Police
"Pointing a laser light at any aircraft is a highly dangerous act and requires the pilot of the aircraft to take evasive action to keep them and their crew safe," the spokesperson said.
"Laser lights not only light up the cabin of a plane or helicopter, but can temporarily blind the pilot which puts everyone onboard in real danger."
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