KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Bullhead City man who pointed a laser at a medical helicopter in flight would be spared a possible prison outcome through a plea agreement entered Sept. 8 in Mohave County Superior Court. Daniel Deluna, 56, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft.
Judge Billy Sipe previously rejected a similar plea, branding it too lenient by its limitation of no more than one-year confinement. The new plea was entered before Judge Megan McCoy, and she deferred accepting the deal until an Oct. 5 hearing that could involve sentencing.
Bullhead City police have said that Deluna was in the vicinity of Arcadia Boulevard and Escalara Drive when light from a laser he possessed shined on a medical helicopter approaching a hospital at about 11 p.m. on May 9. He said the pilot has indicated he was able to maintain control of the aircraft, despite the distraction.
Deluna reportedly possessed more than 18 grams of methamphetamine when taken into custody following a Highway 95 traffic stop. A possession of dangerous drugs charge is dismissed in exchange for conviction of Deluna on a drug paraphernalia count.
Deluna will be placed on probation, but could be sent to jail for up to 12 months if the proposed plea deal is accepted by Judge McCoy.
