SPRING HILL, Fla. — A Spring Hill man was arrested after pointing a laser light at a Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) pilot who was flying in the area of Dora Street on Thursday night (April 25).
This comes just days after a man was arrested in Tampa for pointing a laser at incoming planes, and a teen was arrested for pointing a laser light at a helicopter "because he was bored."
Related:
- Florida man arrested for pointing lasers at arriving planes: TPD
- Florida teen arrested after pointing laser light at helicopter 'because he was bored'
According to deputies, the man, later identified as Robert Alan Harper, 44, was seen pointing the laser toward the aircraft around 10:56 p.m. from the back porch of a residence. As ground units arrived, the two pilots saw Harper go into the home.
Harper admitted to pointing the laser at the aircraft and turned over to deputies an air-soft pellet gun, similar to a rifle, that was equipped with a green laser.
Both pilots experienced problems with their vision from exposure to the lasers and went to a local hospital for treatment. They are expected to make a full recovery.
Harper was arrested and charged with misuse of a laser lighting device and pointing a laser light at a driver or pilot.
New mental health programs making an impact in Florida
Florida Behavioral Health Association's Scott Burgess shared with Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Wendy Ryan the successes of new initiatives being tested across Florida.
