Deputies investigating person who pointed laser at sheriff’s helicopter

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Seminole County after someone targeted the sheriff’s helicopter with a laser pointer on Saturday.

Deputies said around 6:40 p.m. during a patrol over the area of State Road 436 and Oxford Road in Casselberry, a person on the ground repeatedly targeted the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office ALERT 1 helicopter team with a green laser pointer.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

According to deputies, the tactical flight officer was able to locate the source of the laser, which was coming from a back patio of an apartment.

Casselberry police and the Seminole County Sheriff’s deputies found the apartment and waited to see if the helicopter would be hit with the laser.

Read: Substitute teacher charged with sexual battery of student

The person never came back out onto the porch, deputies said.

Deputies spoke to a few occupants of the apartment, but were unable to make any positive identifications.

Read: Recall alert: Target Christmas decorations

This is an ongoing investigation and deputies are not releasing the suspect’s name at this time.

Repeated laser strikes can be very dangerous to pilots, and may cause temporary blindness and potential eye damage.

Read: Child Tax Credit: Look for the last 2021 monthly payment in accounts on Wednesday

According to deputies, targeting an aircraft in this manner is a felony offense.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.