Oakland County man arrested after police helicopter tracks laser pointer to his window

53-year-old man arrested in Highland Township

A man was arrested on May 22, 2023, after a green laser pointer was aimed at a Michigan State Police helicopter in Oakland County. (Michigan State Police)

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. – An Oakland County man has been arrested after police tracked a laser pointer that was being pointed at their helicopter back to his window.

Michigan State Police said their helicopter was in flight at 10:45 p.m. Monday, May 22, in the area of Hickory Ridge and Clyde roads in Highland Township.

Someone began shining a green laser pointer at the helicopter, and the tactical flight officer identified exactly which window it was coming from, according to authorities.

You can see video of the laser below.

State troopers and Oakland County deputies went to the home and took a 53-year-old man into custody. The green laser pointer was seized.

“We want to be very clear about this: If you point a laser at any aircraft and put the pilots, passengers, or people on the ground in danger, we will locate and arrest you,” Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said. “We are continuing to see an increase in this dangerous behavior.”

The case is pending prosecutor review for charges.


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Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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