‘Highly dangerous’: Man charged after allegedly pointing a laser at a police helicopter

A Police spokesperson called the offence serious, with penalties reaching up to $10,000.

A man has been arrested after allegedly pointing a laser at a police helicopter overnight.

Police Air Wing officers were on patrol in the Rockingham area in Western Australia about 12.30am on Wednesday when their police helicopter was allegedly struck by a laser light.

The helicopter crew then tracked the laser to the backyard of a Silvertop Circle residence in Warnbro.

People previously found guilty of the offence in court have been fined up to $10,000. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Police will allege a laser light was found at the address after Rockingham Police searched the residence.

A 44-year-old Warnbro man has been advised he will be charged by summons for the offence of cause fear or alarm with laser or light to people in conveyances or others.

He will be required to attend court at a later date.

A WA Police spokesperson said it was a serious offence, with penalties reaching up to $10,000.

“Pointing a laser light at any aircraft is a highly dangerous act and requires the pilot of the aircraft to take evasive action to keep them and their crew safe,” the spokesperson said.

“Laser lights not only light up the cabin of a plane or helicopter, but can temporarily blind the pilot which puts everyone on-board in real danger.

“There are serious penalties for this offence, with several people previously found guilty in court of such offences being fined $10,000.”