SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — A federal grand jury has indicted a man on two separate felonies for reportedly aiming a laser pointer at two different helicopters in the Spokane area.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington, Johnny R. Blackstock is accused of shining a laser at a Life Flight helicopter transporting a patient in the Spokane region on Oct. 13, 2023. Shortly after, he allegedly shined a laser at a Spokane County Sheriff's Office Air One helicopter that was on routine patrol.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft can have life-threatening consequences. Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies protecting the community and first responders life-flighting a patient for medical help face extreme danger from actions like this,” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref said. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partners and first responders who put themselves at risk to protect and serve our community.”
At this time, the case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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