REGINA — A 62-year-old man is facing a charge of endangering life after he pointed a laser at the Regina Police Service Aerial Support Unit (ASU) mid-flight.
The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. on May 23, as the ASU was patrolling over the south east side of the city.
ASU officers used on-board technology to quickly locate the suspect, who was hiding behind an umbrella in the backyard of a residence in the 2100 block of Francis Street. Patrol ground units responded to the address where they located and arrested the suspect.
The man appears in Regina court on June 24.
Regina police say pointing a laser at an aircraft poses a serious risk to the safety of those on board. It also endangers citizens below if the plane should crash as a result. The Regina Police Service investigates reports of laser strikes on aircraft and will hold offenders accountable. Under the Criminal Code, the charge of mischief endangering life carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Despite this occurrence, the ASU had another successful weekend in the skies, taking nearly 50 calls for service. Some of the calls include arrests for impaired driving, weapons offence, evading police, dangerous driving, stolen vehicle, and a robbery.
