A Gardena man was arrested after he allegedly pointed a high-powered laser at a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter that was responding to a street takeover.
It happened just after midnight Saturday morning near the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in Gardena.
Officers from the LAPD Street Racing Task Force were responding to a street takeover involving dozens of vehicles blocking the intersection with pedestrians in the roadway.
An LAPD helicopter responded to the scene and, while observing the chaos, was struck by a high-powered green laser.
The pilot took “immediate action” to avoid the laser strikes, but kept the subject in view as he fled the scene. He was tracked down to a backyard on the 15800 block of Berendo Avenue and was apprehended by officers on the ground. The laser pointer was recovered at the scene.
On Tuesday, LAPD officials identified the suspect as 27-year-old Brian Gutierrez, adding that he was arrested for discharging a laser at an aircraft — a felony. He was also found to have a no-bail warrant, police said.
He was booked at the LAPD Central Station and is being held without bail.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has since charged him with the previous felony count for discharging the laser, but added a new charge of assault with a deadly weapon of a peace officer. He’s also expected to face federal charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, LAPD officials said.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon that, while it may seem harmless, pointing a laser at an aircraft is both illegal and dangerous.
“Discharging a laser at an aircraft can blind the pilot putting the lives of our officers and the public at risk,” McDonnell said.
Since the Federal Aviation Administration began tracking laser strikes in 2010, the lights have been blamed for more than 300 pilot injuries. Lasers can cause serious injuries to a person’s eye, including damage to the cornea. In most serious instances, they can cause temporary or even permanent vision loss.
In addition to the charges he faces at the local and federal level, Gutierrez may also receive a fine from the FAA of up to $11,000.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LAPD tip line at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
For more information about laser strikes, click here.
