Suspect Charged with Shining Laser at Helicopter

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/197/0002/tjw/(4)
July 20, 2010

Suspect Charged with Shining Laser at Helicopter

Mason Police District – An 18-year-old man was arrested after allegedly pointing a laser light at a Fairfax County Police helicopter that was in flight over Mantua Elementary School, 9107 Horner Court, around 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, July 15.

The crew observed a group of people on the school premises and called for ground patrol units to assist. One of them allegedly shined a laser light directly at the helicopter, blinding crew members. An investigation led to the arrest of Michael E. Promisel, of 8938 Glenbrook Road in Fairfax. He was taken to jail and charged with interfering with the operation of an aircraft and endangering the life of the aircraft’s operators.

This crime is a Class 6 Felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

Michael E. Promisel