FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A Turlock man pleads guilty on Monday to shining a laser at a sheriff’s helicopter.
According to court documents, 31-year-old Roger John of Turlock — struck the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Helicopter Air 101 — at least 5 times back in October of 2017.
The beam of light caused interference for both the pilot and flight officer as the chopper was on its way to respond to a domestic violence call.
In pleading guilty, John admitted he knew that shining a laser at an aircraft is illegal.
His device was 17 times more powerful than what is legally permissible for handheld lasers.
John will be sentenced in June 11th, in federal court in Fresno.
He faces up to 5 years in prison — and a $250 thousand dollar fine.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
