Duo Arrested for Allegedly Pointing Laser at Riverside Co. Sheriff Helicopter

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Two men suspected of lighting up a Riverside County sheriff's helicopter with a laser device over the city of Moreno Valley were arrested, deputies said Sunday.

At about 7:10 p.m. Friday, the pilot of the helicopter reported that the cockpit was "illuminated several times by a high-powered laser device from a distance of one mile away," according to Sgt. Mike Koehler.

"The crew was OK and able to locate the vehicle the laser came from," the agency said.

Deputies later located the suspects near the intersection of Heacock Street and John F. Kennedy Drive, and identified them as Fernando Flores, 30, and Jesus Ceniceros-Acosta, 33, both residents of Perris, Koehler said.

A laser pointing device capable of casting a beam of light approximately 1.5 miles was allegedly found in their possession, deputies said.

"These are not toys and can cause serious harm, including permanent blindness," the department said. "Sadly this type of incident is occurring more and more all over the country."

"Never aim a laser pointer at an aircraft!" deputies added.

Both men were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and were being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Moreno Valley Police Department at 951-486-6700.

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--City News Service contributed to this report/Images via RCSO