Police have charged a 22-year-old man after a laser light struck a police helicopter multiple times on Thursday May 13 2021.
The police helicopter was being flown over the Rockingham area when about 9:15pm it was struck by a blue laser light several times. The helicopter crew were able to track the laser light to a residence on Waimea Road, Safety Bay.
Regional Operations Group officers were directed to the residence, where they arrested a 22-year-old man and found a blue laser pointer under a bed. The arrested man was taken to Rockingham Police Station to be interviewed.
A 22-year-old man from Safety Bay has been charged with ‘Cause fear or alarm with laser or light to people in conveyances or others’ and is due to appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on Friday 28 May 2021.
A WA Police Force spokesperson said laser pointers are extremely dangerous items to point at any aircraft.
“Laser lights have the potential to illuminate the cabin of an aircraft and cause immediate distress to pilots, who on most occasions need to take immediate evasive action to retain safe control of the aircraft they are flying.
“This kind of offence creates a significant danger to those onboard the aircraft, and under section 74B of WA’s Criminal Code the penalty for a person found guilty of the offence can be a fine of up to $36,000 and/or a term of imprisonment for up to 7 years.”
Rockingham's Stan Twight Reserve named 2026 WA Football Facility of the Year Award
Homeless campers on Memorial Drive given 24 hours to vacate
Women injured in serious North Dandalup crash
Daughter of man allegedly stabbed to death in East Rockingham pays tribute to father
Peel Thunder claim fourth WAFL premiership
Man dies after suspected stabbing in East Rockingham
City of Rockingham cracks down on illegal dumpers
Missing Mandurah girl found safe and well
Police hunt for man who threatened staff with knife during Falcon armed robbery