A Clarington man has been arrested after a laser beam was pointed at Durham Regional Police’s helicopter.
“It’s a high-resolution beam. It has the capability of traveling great distances, more than just a pointer for a presentation in a board room,” said Durham Sergeant Nancy van Rooy.
On the evenings of Nov. 10 and Nov. 25, the helicopter was flying over the Clarington area when it was forced to take evasive action to dodge what a police press release called “the laser strikes.”
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At about 8:40 p.m. on Dec. 2, the laser beam was again projected onto the helicopter, but this time it lasted long enough to determine the source, Sgt. van Rooy said.
Gerald Cote, 25, has been charged with three counts of projection of directed bright light at an aircraft, three counts of engaging in behaviour that endangers the safety of an aircraft, three counts of obstructing police officer and three counts of mischief.
If convicted, Mr. Cote faces a maximum fine of $100,000 and/or five years in prison.
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