Coalville man charged with aiming laser pointer at helicopter

Coalville man charged with aiming laser pointer at helicopter

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SALT LAKE CITY — A Coalville man who allegedly aimed a laser pointer at a medical helicopter in August faces a felony charge in federal court.

An Airmed pilot was flying from Rocks Springs, Wyoming, to Salt Lake City when his cockpit was hit with a laser beam near Echo Reservoir about 3 a.m. on Aug. 28. The pilot was hit again at the same location on his return flight, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The pilot was able to identify the vehicle at the source of the laser and passed the information to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI is also investigated the incident.

Prosecutors Wednesday charged Ryan Michael Kane, 25, with one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The charge carries a five-year prison term and a $250,000 fine.

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Dennis Romboy
Dennis Romboy is an editor and reporter for the Deseret News. He has covered a variety of beats over the years, including state and local government, social issues and courts. A Utah native, Romboy earned a degree in journalism from the University of Utah. He enjoys cycling, snowboarding and running.

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