A Lilburn man was arrested Monday evening after he pointed a laser at a Gwinnett County Police Department helicopter.
According to a press release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, the police helicopter was searching Misty View Trail for a stolen vehicle just after 9 p.m. when a green laser was pointed at the cockpit of the aircraft.
The pilot of the helicopter was able to guide officers to where the laser was coming from. There, officers found Fredy Contreras and arrested him for using a laser against an aircraft.
The release states Contreras initially denied pointing the laser at the aircraft, but later admitted to officers that he pointed the laser at the helicopter for fun.
The case will also be referred to the FAA to be presented to the US Attorney’s Office for possible federal prosecution.
The Gwinnett County Police Department wants the public to know that pointing a laser at an aircraft is unlawful, as it can “hinder the pilot’s ability to handle the aircraft and interfere with the equipment on board,” according to the release.