A Lawrenceville man was arrested after he pointed a laser at a police helicopter. According to the Gwinnett Police Department, the helicopter was flying in the area of Cedars Road in Lawrenceville when it was hit by a green laser pointed at the cockpit.
The flight crew was able to pinpoint the location of the laser. Officers on the ground spoke to a few people who were in that area and determined Nedzad Mehic, 30, was responsible. Mehic was arrested for pointing a laser at an aircraft and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.
The air unit was conducting training exercises with the Gwinnett SWAT Team at the Gwinnett Police Training Center when the incident happened.
The Gwinnett County Police Department says, “Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous because it can hinder the pilot’s ability to handle the aircraft as well as interfering with onboard equipment.” Lasers could cause potential harm to the pilots, aircraft and the general public.
This case will be referred to the FAA and the FBI Atlanta office for follow-up.