Man to Be Charged with Pointing Laser at Police Helicopter

A man who allegedly pointed a laser at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopter hovering over Agoura Hills was expected to be arraigned today on a felony charge.

Christopher Cooper, 31, was charged Aug. 25 with a single count of discharge of a laser at an aircraft, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

He allegedly pointed a laser at the helicopter while it was hovering over a home near the 5300 block of Francisca Way on Aug. 11, prosecutors said.

Sheriff’s officials initially said Cooper and a woman were both arrested when deputies went to the home, but only Cooper was charged.

Cooper faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Law enforcement authorities have warned repeatedly about the danger of lasers being pointed at helicopters and other aircraft, saying they can temporarily blind pilots.

City News Service; Image: Wikimedia Commons