Deputies: Florida man pointed laser at sheriff’s helicopter during state of emergency after Ian

Florida man accused of pointing a laser at sheriff's helicopter (Courtesy: Sarasota Sheriff's Office)

NOKOMIS, Fla. – A Florida man was arrested after he allegedly shined a laser at a Sarasota County Sheriff’s office helicopter.

Deputies said Nick Davidson, 44, pointed the green laser at the chopper on Tuesday, while pilots were responding to a fire.

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The Sarasota Sheriff’s office said Davidson’s actions could not have come at a worse time because the area was under a state of emergency after Hurricane Ian. Deputies were busy assessing damage and guiding ground units around potential hazards.

“Not only are Davidson’s actions dangerous, but they have the potential to flash blind and cause long-term damage to the visual capabilities of our pilots,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a social media post.

Davidson was arrested and booked into the Sarasota County jail.

He is charged with pointing a laser light at a pilot, which is a felony.

Davidson bonded out of jail on Wednesday after posting $1,500 bail.


About the Author:

Steve Owen is the Assistant News Director at WPLG, and helps lead the daily news operations.