SARASOTA, Florida. Authorities said the man was arrested for aiming lasers at planes trying to land at a Florida airport and wounding a pilot.
Charlie Chapman Jr. aimed his laser pointer at the plane four times and once at the sheriff’s helicopter as they tried to land at Sarasota-Bradenton airport last week, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s records.
One pilot said the laser hit him directly in the eyes and caused temporary blindness and blurred vision.
Orlando Sentinel said the video also shows a man throwing objects at the sheriff’s helicopter as it tries to land.
After several pilots reported the incidents, an investigation led MPs to Chapman.
They found a 41-year-old man on a forklift Wednesday night. According to the sheriff, he hit them with a hammer, prompting the deputies to use a stun gun on him.