Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Man Proves That Pointing Lasers at LAPD Helicopters is Still Neither Legal Nor Funny

green_laser.jpg
Photo by www.guigo.eu via Flickr

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

There are some conversations that most of us can't imagine having. Here is one of them. "Hey, you know what would be so funny? Pointing a laser at an LAPD helicopter. Wouldn't that be so funny, you guys? I'm DOING it. I'm fucking DOING it."

And yet, it appears that not one, not two, but many, many people in this city have some variation of that dialogue, and then proceed to act on their threats. And then get arrested. And still, do not set an example for others.

The Daily Breeze reports that a man in his 20s, whose name isn't being released, is one of the folks who allegedly did not learn from other people's mistakes. He was arrested this morning on charges of aiming a green laser light at a pilot flying over Glassell Park at 12:45 a.m. The light hit the pilot in the eyes, which can be blinding.

Along with the suspect, the Breeze notes that four or five people were seen entering the residence whence the light emanated. Officers later found both the suspect and the laser light.

So here it is again: Residents of Los Angeles, do not point lasers at helicopters. If you feel the need to do something funny, go write a comedy sketch, like everybody else.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today