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Winnipeg police arrested a man Thursday after a laser pointer was aimed at the city’s new police helicopter.
Officials say that just after midnight, a green laser beam was shot from the ground and into the "Air One" helicopter several times, hitting the 39-year-old female pilot directly in the eyes.
The beams from laser pointers can distract pilots in flight, and even damage their eyes.
The helicopter crew directed police ground units to an address in the 200 block of Toronto Street, where officers found a man shining his laser pen up at the police helicopter circling overhead.
26-year-old Sheldon Friesen was arrested on the spot and is now facing several possible charges. He was released and back home later in the day.
During an interview with Global News, Friesen explained that he was simply trying to test out his new laser pointer.
“I wanted to test the range on that ‘cause I see it goes out as far as my eyes can see. There’s something to test it on, so let’s do that!” Friesen said.
“I was doing it under the innocence of just trying to find something flashy to reflect against. Turns out that was something dangerous I shouldn’t have been doing.”
Friesen said he isn’t worried about the charges he faces.
“I’m not concerned because ultimately I wasn’t doing anything wrong, I just did something stupid, and because I didn’t do anything wrong, I shouldn’t be treated as somebody who did something wrong.”
Police released a long list of charges Friesen could be facing, including Assault Cause Bodily Harm/ Assault with a Weapon, Mischief to Property/Mischief Endangering Life, Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm/Death, Obstructing Public or Peace Officer, and Common Nuisance. He also may face more serious aeronautic charges in the future. Penalties under the Aeronautics Act of Canada range from fines of up to $100,000 to imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. The Criminal Code of Canada also contains sections relating to this offence, some of which carry significant penalties, including life in prison.
"This is not a joke this is very serious," said Const. Natalie Aitken during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
“It is concerning to us that this has happened and I think somewhat surprising that the individual in this case wasn’t a youth,” Const. Aitken added.
“The education, I think, that needs to be done – this is not a joke,” Friesen agreed, “This is very serious,”
According to figures provided by Winnipeg Police Service, there were over 180 reported incidents of pilots being struck by "an intense light source" in 2010.
Suspect admits pointing laser at police chopper was
Officials say that just after midnight, a green laser beam was shot from the ground and into the "Air One" helicopter several times, hitting the 39-year-old female pilot directly in the eyes.
The beams from laser pointers can distract pilots in flight, and even damage their eyes.
The helicopter crew directed police ground units to an address in the 200 block of Toronto Street, where officers found a man shining his laser pen up at the police helicopter circling overhead.
26-year-old Sheldon Friesen was arrested on the spot and is now facing several possible charges. He was released and back home later in the day.
During an interview with Global News, Friesen explained that he was simply trying to test out his new laser pointer.
“I wanted to test the range on that ‘cause I see it goes out as far as my eyes can see. There’s something to test it on, so let’s do that!” Friesen said.
“I was doing it under the innocence of just trying to find something flashy to reflect against. Turns out that was something dangerous I shouldn’t have been doing.”
Friesen said he isn’t worried about the charges he faces.
“I’m not concerned because ultimately I wasn’t doing anything wrong, I just did something stupid, and because I didn’t do anything wrong, I shouldn’t be treated as somebody who did something wrong.”
Police released a long list of charges Friesen could be facing, including Assault Cause Bodily Harm/ Assault with a Weapon, Mischief to Property/Mischief Endangering Life, Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm/Death, Obstructing Public or Peace Officer, and Common Nuisance. He also may face more serious aeronautic charges in the future. Penalties under the Aeronautics Act of Canada range from fines of up to $100,000 to imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. The Criminal Code of Canada also contains sections relating to this offence, some of which carry significant penalties, including life in prison.
"This is not a joke this is very serious," said Const. Natalie Aitken during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
“It is concerning to us that this has happened and I think somewhat surprising that the individual in this case wasn’t a youth,” Const. Aitken added.
“The education, I think, that needs to be done – this is not a joke,” Friesen agreed, “This is very serious,”
According to figures provided by Winnipeg Police Service, there were over 180 reported incidents of pilots being struck by "an intense light source" in 2010.
Suspect admits pointing laser at police chopper was
