Anthony Palazzolo accused of pointing a laser at police helicopter at Glen Alpine

A man who allegedly pointed a laser at a police chopper and injured a crew member in southwest Sydney has fronted court.

Glen Alpine man Anthony Palazzolo has fronted court after allegedly pointing a laser at a NSW Police helicopter on Tuesday.

About 9.45pm on Tuesday, PolAir3 — a Bell 429 helicopter — was flying in the Glen Alpine area to assist Campbelltown police with inquiries when the chopper was allegedly repeatedly by a laser.

The crew member – a male senior Tactical Flight Officer – suffered minor injuries to his eyes.

He will be required to undergo a detailed medical examination to ascertain if any serious injury has been suffered. The pilot and second crew member on board at the time were not injured.

A short time later, police identified the location of the laser and co-ordinated ground crews to attend Clydebank Cres, Glen Alpine, where a 52-year-old man was arrested about 9.50pm.

A man has been arrested after allegedly pointing a laser at a NSW Police aircraft that was assisting Campbelltown police.

Mr Palazzolo was taken to Campbelltown police and charged with interfering with crew member while in an aircraft, doing an act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board and possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit.

He appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday where he was granted bail with the conditions to live at a specified address, to see a GP for mental health issues, not to drink alcohol or take drugs unless those drugs are prescribed by a doctor and not to possess laser pointer.

Anthony Palazzolo appeared at court on January 26 after being charged with three alleged offences.

No pleas to the charges were entered.

Palazzolo will return to Campbelltown Local Court on February 2.