Police Police Helicopter Struck By Laser

Durham Regional Police helicopter Air1 was once again struck by a strong laser beam while patrolling over the skies overnight. The aircraft was able to land safely, but a member of the Air Support Unit had to attend hospital for an eye examination.

On Friday, July 29, 2011, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Air1 was patrolling over Oshawa when a strong, green laser beam was directed at the cockpit. Thankfully the pilot was not affected but another member of the Air Support Unit received a direct strike and experienced vision problems.

Members of the Air Support Unit were able to identify the location of the beam and directed ground officers to a residence on Dunrobin Court in Oshawa. One person was arrested and the laser was seized.

Robert ROUGHLY, age 18, of Dunrobin Court in Oshawa is charged with:

Project Bright Light Source at Aircraft (Canadian Aviation Act)
Interfere with Performance of Duties of any Crew Member (Aeronautics Act)
Lessen the Ability of any Crew Member to Perform Duties (Aeronautics Act)
Assault with a Weapon Causing Bodily Harm
Mischief Endangering Life
Common Nuisance

The use of any laser light beam pointed in the direction of aircraft is extremely dangerous. When directed into the cockpit, laser lights can create temporary blindness that may affect the pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft safely.