A man will appear in court today charged after allegedly pointing a laser at a NSW Police aircraft in Sydney's west overnight.
About 9.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 January 2022), PolAir3 – a Bell 429 helicopter – was flying in the Glen Alpine area to assist Campbelltown Police Area Command with inquiries, when they were struck repeatedly by a laser.
A short time later, PolAir3 identified the location of the laser and coordinated ground crews to attend Clydebank Crescent, Glen Alpine, where a 52-year-old man was arrested about 9.50pm.
He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with interfere with crew member while in an aircraft, do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 26 January 2022).
The crew member – a male senior Tactical Flight Officer – suffered minor injuries to his eyes. He will be required to undergo a detailed medical examination to ascertain if any serious injury has been suffered. The pilot and second crew member on board at the time were not injured. PolAir3 was able to land without incident.
