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Pasadena Police Helicopter Attacked By Laser

A man was arrested for allegedly shining a laser at a Pasadena police helicopter and injuring the eyes of an officer on board yesterday.
Rafael Juarez, a 23-year-old San Gabriel man, is being held on $25,000 bail for discharging a laser at an aircraft and possession of a controlled substance, according to City News Service.
According to the Pasadena Sun, the man was believed to be on cocaine when he pointed the laser at the police helicopter.
"The helicopter crew was not wearing their protective eyewear at the time of the attack," Pasadena police lieutenant Michael Ingram said in a statement. "However, they identified the suspect's location and worked with the San Gabriel police ground units to contain the area, (and) the suspect was arrested without incident."
The helicopter landed safely and the injured officer was taken to the hospital. His condition has not been released.
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In the face of a drier future, that iconic piece of Americana is on its way out in Southern California.
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