Man arrested for laser-strike on rescue helicopter
A man has been arrested after the Otago Rescue Helicopter was struck by a high-powered laser.
Police were notified at 10pm last night, with the chopper pilot able to give them directions to the alleged offender’s whereabouts in north Oamaru.
The 39-year-old Oamaru man has been charged with Endangering Transport.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge from Oamaru Police says: “The laser was shined at the helicopter for a total of four minutes, which is incredibly irresponsible and dangerous.
"Pointing a laser at any aircraft can affect a pilot’s ability to safely control the plane or helicopter and can cause loss of vision.
"Even from several metres or even kilometres, this can cause serious harm."
The helicopter hovered over north Oamaru to pinpoint the address where the laser came from.
They followed the alleged offender as he entered his car and drove from his home address onto Thames Highway heading north out of town.
The suspect went into a covered petrol station in an attempt to hide from the helicopter following him, police say.
The helicopter crew guided police on the ground to the vehicle and officers were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the occupant who police say admitted to shining the laser at the aircraft.
A laser was recovered from the front seat of the vehicle.
The man was bailed to appear in the Oamaru District Court on 27 November.
