KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Bullhead City man who aimed a laser at a medical helicopter in flight has been placed on probation for three years. Mohave County Superior Court Judge Megan McCoy accepted a plea deal for Daniel Deluna, 56, that another judge rejected for its leniency.
Judge McCoy credited Deluna for 67 days spent in custody and imposed no further jail time during his Oct. 5 sentencing hearing. Deluna was ordered to perform 120 hours of community work service.
Bullhead City police said Deluna was in the vicinity of Arcadia Boulevard and Escalara Drive when light from a laser he possessed shined on the helicopter approaching a hospital at about 11:00 p.m. on May 9. The pilot was able to maintain control of the helicopter and no one was injured.
Defense attorney Daisy Mazoff said a history of drug abuse, self-medication and confusion explain the misguided laser point.
“He was trying to laser drones. He, in his mind, believed there were drones,” Mazoff said. “It just seems like there’s a mental health aspect going on here.”
Deluna pleaded guilty to aiming a laser at an occupied aircraft.
Judge McCoy said she hoped Deluna understands that light should not be aimed in the sky.
“People’s lives are endangered when lasers are pointed at occupied aircraft,” she said. “It’s 2026 and I don’t know what’s flying out there.”
