NY Police Helicopter Makes Emergency Maneuver After Laser Strike
A New York State Police helicopter was forced to take evasive action and make an emergency maneuver over Buffalo after a teenager allegedly shined a high-powered green laser into the pilots’ eyes, authorities said, an incident police warned could have resulted in a serious mid-air accident.
According to the New York State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. when the helicopter was operating over the city’s east side near Ashley and Person streets. Investigators said the aircraft was struck multiple times by a laser beam, prompting the flight crew to immediately alter course to avoid further exposure.
State police said the laser light penetrated the cockpit and directly affected the pilots’ vision. Although the crew was wearing night vision goggles, the equipment did not protect them from the intensity of the beam. Officers reported experiencing visual spotting and disorientation severe enough that they temporarily struggled to see cockpit instruments, forcing abrupt maneuvering to maintain safe control of the aircraft.
The helicopter ultimately withdrew from the area to prevent further risk. Police said the pilots did not suffer permanent eye injuries, but emphasized that the situation posed a serious safety threat not only to the flight crew but also to people on the ground.
A 15-year-old boy from Buffalo was arrested in connection with the incident and charged with first-degree directing a laser at an aircraft, a felony under New York law. Authorities allege the teen used a green laser device to target the helicopter while it was airborne.
Due to his age, the suspect was issued an appearance ticket for Family Court and referred to Erie County Probation, police said. His name has not been released.
The New York State Police used the incident to reiterate warnings about the dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft. “Shining a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous,” the agency said in a statement. “It can cause temporary blindness or disorientation to pilots, increasing the risk of a crash and putting flight crews and the surrounding community in jeopardy.”
Laser strikes against aircraft have been a persistent safety concern for aviation authorities worldwide. Even brief exposure can overwhelm a pilot’s vision during critical phases of flight, particularly at night or at low altitude, when law enforcement and medical helicopters frequently operate.
The Federal Aviation Administration has previously warned that laser strikes can cause flash blindness and afterimages lasting several seconds, long enough to cause loss of control or collision. In the United States, deliberately aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense and can carry severe penalties.
Authorities are urging parents and community members to educate young people about the risks and legal consequences of laser misuse. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward.
The case highlights the growing concern among law enforcement and aviation officials that handheld lasers, often marketed as toys, can pose serious and potentially catastrophic risks when misused near aircraft.
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