A man was arrested for pointing lasers at planes trying to land at a Florida airport and injuring a pilot in the process, authorities said.
Charlie Chapman Jr. aimed his laser pointer toward a plane four times and toward a sheriff's helicopter once as they tried to land last week at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Credit: Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Manatee County Sheriff's Office
One pilot said the laser hit him directly in the eyes and caused temporary blindness and lingering blurred vision. The Orlando Sentinel reported a video also showed a man appearing to throw objects at the sheriff's helicopter as it tried to land.
After several pilots reported the incidents, the investigation led deputies to Chapman.
They found the 41-year-old on a forklift Wednesday night. According to the sheriff's office, Chapman made a striking motion toward them with a hammer, prompting deputies to use a stun gun.
Chapman was charged with aggravated assault on an officer, pointing a laser at a pilot with injury, pointing a laser at a pilot without injury and resisting without violence.
It's unclear if he had retained an attorney who could comment on the charges.
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