Mass Man Aimed High-Powered Laser At Coast Guard Helicopter Forcing Them To Abort Landing: Feds

A 59-year-old Massachusetts man was arrested after federal investigators said he shined a high-powered laser into the windshield of a US Coast Guard helicopter, forcing the pilot to change their landing location, authorities said.

A green laser fires across the night sky.
Photo Credit: *Unplash/Jack B*

Josh Lanier

05/13/2024 5:55 p.m.

Philip Gagnon, of Boston, was charged on Monday, May 13, with one count of aiming a laser pointer at a Coast Guard helicopter and was released with conditions, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.

The incident happened on Sept. 21, when a US Coast Guard helicopter was taking part in a training exercise and attempting to land at Massachusetts General Hospital, the prosecutor said.

As the helicopter lowered to the helipad, the pilot saw a laser beam coming from a nearby apartment and illuminated the side of the craft and into the window. The pilot scuttled the landing and went to another Boston hospital.

Gagnon faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted, federal sentencing guidelines say.

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