Arrest Made in Columbus for Laser Pointing Incidents at Aircraft

In Columbus, Ohio, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies have successfully apprehended an individual linked to multiple incidents of laser pointing at aircraft. The arrest, which took place near Columbus Municipal Airport, has brought attention to the dangerous act of shining lasers at flying aircraft.

Sgt. Dane Duke, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department, detailed that efforts to locate the suspect had been ongoing until the breakthrough on Saturday, February 3. Deputy Dylan Prather, responding to a new report of laser activity around 10:38 p.m., initially found no source. However, shortly thereafter, while on U.S. 31 near I-65, Prather witnessed a green laser emanating from a black passenger car, which also targeted his patrol vehicle.

A traffic stop led to the identification of the driver as 49-year-old Christopher Clem of Columbus. During the stop, officers discovered two laser devices, methamphetamine, and crushed prescription pills in Clem’s possession. Clem confessed to deputies about using the laser on an aircraft overhead.

Clem faces several preliminary charges including pointing a laser at a public safety official, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and dealing in a controlled substance. The presence of a handgun at the time of his arrest has led to enhanced charges.

The incident has drawn the involvement of the United States Air Marshals and the Federal Aviation Administration, which are conducting a federal investigation into the matter. This arrest highlights the serious implications and dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft, a federal offense that poses significant risks to flight safety.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, therepublic.com