Deputies arrest man for discharging a laser at a Sheriff's helicopter.
DATE/TIME: June 6, 2018 / 11:30 pm
INCIDENT: Discharge Laser at Aircraft
LOCATION: Roy Rodgers Drive / I15 freeway
SUSPECT(S): James Trujillo, age 33
VICTIM(S): Sheriff's Flight Crew
SUMMARY: On June 6, 2018, at approximately 11:30 pm, Sheriff's helicopter 40King3 piloted by Deputy P. Kowalski and flight officer C. Korkotsakis was on patrol over the City of Hesperia. While on patrol the crew was struck multiple times by a green laser. The crew, using their FLIR camera, was able to locate the subject under the Roy Rodgers bridge, along the I15 freeway.
Deputies from the Victorville City Station responded to the area and detained the suspect who was later identified as James Trujillo. During the investigation, Deputies were able to recover the laser Trujillo used to point at the aircraft. Trujillo was arrested for a violation of PC247.5 Discharge Laser at Aircraft, a felony and was booked at the High Desert Detention Center.
The highway patrol also received multiple calls from motorists who were driving on the freeway of a subject pointing a green laser at oncoming vehicles.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public that pointing any kind of laser at an aircraft, while in motion/flight can seriously hinder the pilot's ability to control the aircraft safely. It is also a Felony and a Federal Offense.
Refer: C. Korkotsakis
Station: Emergency Operations / Aviation
Phone No. 909-252-4100
Case No. 171806158
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Victorville Police Department
14200 Amargosa Rd
Victorville, CA 92392
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700