Police took two people into custody Wednesday night for allegedly shining a laser pointer at aircraft flying over Brooklyn – because, for a few of us, seventh-grade habits die hard. Silva allegedly aimed the laser at not only the news aircraft, but a NYPD chopper who showed up after to investigate.
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A chopper reporter used a camera to zoom in on the men, who were seen standing behind a building and laughing.
Laser strikes were also reported by pilots in Ontario, Canada and San Juan, Puerto Rico, the FAA said. That’s where they arrested two men, though they have not yet been charged.
No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Silva was held on $20,000 bond and next appears in court November 17.
Lasers distract pilots from their safety duties and can lead to temporary blindness during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. Federal charges are being considered in the cases.
Ossieo Silva, 20, was arraigned Thursday on felony and misdemeanor reckless-endangerment charges for shooting the laser into an NBC chopper from a Prospect Heights street the day before, a criminal complaint said.
Similar incidents have occurred across the country with three reported near Dallas Wednesday night. Both airliners were coming from Austin. Officials said jets at Dallas Love Field were hit by lasers while getting ready to land at the airport.
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Helicopters from WCBS and WNBC were targeted, police said. “(At the same time), the NYPD was right next to us, so they hovered above the place – a green laser”.
