BULLHEAD CITY – A Bullhead City man has been arrested for aiming a laser device at a medical helicopter. Local law enforcement was alerted to the dangerous activity at about 11 p.m. on May 9.
“Police were contacted by a medical helicopter crew regarding a powerful green laser being directed at their aircraft while it was in flight,” said police public information officer Emily Fromelt. She said the crew was able to identify the suspect vehicle and pinpoint its location, resulting in a high-risk traffic stop in the 1700 block of Highway 95.
Fromelt said the driver of the vehicle, Daniel Deluna, 55, Bullhead City, was found to be in possession of the laser device and a usable amount of methamphetamine.
Deluna was transported to Kingman and booked into the Adult Detention Facility for aiming a laser device at an aircraft, possession of dangerous drugs and driving on a suspended license.
A Fromelt-issued news release included a public safety message.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and extremely dangerous. Lasers can distract and temporarily blind pilots, putting crews and people on the ground at risk,” it said. “This is especially dangerous for medical helicopters and low-flying aircraft at night.”
Dave Hawkins
