Incident with Laser Puts Memphis Helicopter Crew at Risk
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a startling turn of events, a Memphis man is facing serious legal trouble after he allegedly pointed a laser at a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter flying over the city. The incident has sparked both concern and outrage, shedding light on the dangers of such reckless behavior.
What’s the Scoop?
On Friday night around 10:30 PM, a state trooper was alerted by a Pilot Lieutenant from the Tennessee Highway Patrol who reported that someone was deliberately shining a laser into the cockpit of their helicopter during flight. This, as you can imagine, is not just a fun little prank; it poses a significant risk of serious bodily harm to everyone involved.
The helicopter had three passengers onboard, all of whom were immediately at risk when the laser was aimed at them. According to the police report, the crew had to shield their eyes repeatedly, hampering their ability to navigate properly and maintain a safe visual of the area below. It’s a terrifying thought — a brief moment of disorientation could easily lead to a disaster.
Who’s Responsible?
The police investigation pointed to an address in the 400 block of Angelus Street in Memphis, where the laser had been aimed from a nearby shed. When officers arrived, they made contact through the window with the man responsible, later identified as Eric Price, 47. In a surprising twist, Price confessed to the trooper that he was the one with the laser.
Legal Ramifications
Price was arrested on the spot and is now facing three counts of aggravated assault. His bond was set at $20,000, and he has since been released. It’s worth noting that this behavior has legal consequences and is taken very seriously by law enforcement agencies.
The Bigger Picture
The situation doesn’t just stop at local law enforcement; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will be investigating the incident. FAA administrator Mike Whitaker stated that they are committed to working with federal, state, and local authorities to address such dangerous behaviors. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is not only irresponsible but also a federal crime.
Awareness Campaign
This incident comes in the wake of an awareness campaign initiated by the FAA earlier this year, following a noticeable spike in laser strikes. Last year, the FAA recorded a staggering 13,304 laser strikes reported by pilots, and this year, that number is currently sitting at 8,863, with 483 incidents reported in Tennessee alone.
The FAA is taking action to raise awareness about this serious threat, emphasizing that intentionally pointing a laser at aircraft jeopardizes aviation safety and endangers the lives of pilots and those on the ground.
Final Thoughts
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a critical reminder for everyone to think twice before engaging in reckless behavior. What may seem like harmless fun could have life-altering consequences for both the individual and others in the air and on the ground. The community in Memphis is hoping that this incident encourages more people to speak up and report such dangerous actions before they lead to something much worse.
Stay safe and remember to keep your eye on the skies!
