Aircraft targeted by laser pointer, man charged in Eastlakes

A man will be in court today charged after a laser was pointed at aircraft – including the NSW Police helicopter – overnight.

Police were contacted after the pilot of a Cessna reported a laser had been pointed at his aircraft as he was flying over Eastlakes about 11.25pm (Sunday 24 February 2019).

Polair5 was deployed to the area where police crewmembers were also targeted.

They tracked a man to Eastlakes Reserve where officers from Botany Bay Police Area Command were called to assist and arrested a 19-year-old man near Longworth Avenue at Eastlakes.

A laser pointer was found nearby and has been taken for forensic examination.

The man was taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

He was refused bail to appear in Central Local Court today (Monday 25 February 2019).

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