HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for pointing a laser at a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter on patrol.
Prosecutors say 20-year-old Bryan Aldana was sentenced Monday in Houston for the June 2018 incident. Aldana in April pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
DPS agents were flying over Houston when a green light illuminated the helicopter’s left side. The pilot reversed course and the chopper was again targeted, as the laser lit up the cockpit. Prosecutors say the pilot had to close and shield his eyes.
Authorities say Houston police and nearby store security video later helped identify the suspect who was seen in a chair near a car and pointing the laser, which was seized.
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