Police make arrest over laser pointer in Southern suburbs, South Australia

A man has been charged after shining a laser at the police helicopter last week.

Just before 10.30pm Friday 20 November PolAir was flying over the Woodcroft area when they had a laser light pointed at them on a number of occasions.

Police Officers on board the helicopter were able to determine the origin of the laser and directed patrols on the ground to attend. When police arrived at the location they allegedly located a 48-year-old Woodcroft man holding the laser pointer in his hands.

The man was arrested and charged with prejudice the safe operation of an aircraft, acts likely to cause harm and possess a prohibited weapon. He was bailed to appear at the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 21 December.

Under the Aircraft Offences Act 1971 it is an offence to do an act or thing capable of prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft. Penalties can include imprisonment for 14 years.

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