32-year-old Michael Scott PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau arrested an Illinois man for two counts of fel
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau arrested an Illinois man for two counts of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device, after he illuminated an airborne Sheriff’s Office helicopter.
According to deputies, on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was airborne over Fort De Soto Park, in the area of 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, when a green laser lighting device was shined at the helicopter multiple times.
Flight deputies maintained a visual on the suspect inside Fort de Soto Park and directed patrol deputies on the ground to the suspect’s location.
Deputies made contact with 32-year-old Michael Scott, who eventually admitted to illuminating the helicopter with the laser lighting device. The laser used by Scott was recovered, which had his name on it.
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The pilot of the helicopter reported that the laser was pointed at his eyes multiple times. He experienced minor pain and conducted a precautionary landing of the helicopter in an open field at Fort de Soto Park.
Per Florida State Statute, it is a third-degree felony for any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.
Scott was arrested and charged with two counts of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.
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