Coalville man indicted after AirMed pilot targeted with laser pointer

A laser pointed at a helicopter can temporarily blind the pilot. File photo: U.S. Coast Guard/Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen Lehmann.

COALVILLE, Utah, Nov. 2, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A Coalville man has been indicted by a federal grand jury after an AirMed pilot said the suspect aimed a laser pointer at the cockpit of the victim’s airborne helicopter twice on the same day.

The indictment was filed against Ryan Michael Kane, age 25. The charge carries a potential penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The charge stems from actions alleged to have taken place on Aug. 28 of this year. At about 3 a.m. that day, the pilot was flying from Rock Springs, Wyo., to Salt Lake City, when his cockpit was hit with the laser while the helicopter was near Echo Reservoir.

On his return flight, the pilot again was hit by the laser pointer light, from the same location, he said. He was able to identify the vehicle that was the source of the laser, and passed information on to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

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