Kentucky State Police makes arrests after laser allegedly pointed at aircraft

MAYSLICK, Ky. – Two men have been arrested after an alleged incident involving a laser being pointed at a Kentucky State Police helicopter.

According to the Kentucky State Police, the incident occurred on Nov. 3 near Mayslick.

Authorities say as troopers were responding to a report of a missing 11-year-old in Robertson County, the KSP Aircraft Support Branch was providing assistance.

During this time, troopers say the KSP helicopter was subjected to “multiple laser strikes near the Mayslick community in Mason County.”

Authorities say the pilot and tactical flight officer were struck multiple times by a laser beam directed at the aircraft from the ground. The tactical flight officer sustained a possible physical injury to his eyes as a result of the laser, according to authorities.

In addition to the laser strikes, troopers say suspects on the ground allegedly fired multiple rounds from a gun toward the aircraft.

Both the laser and gunfire presented a serious threat to safety of the flight crew and those on the ground, authorities say.

According to the Kentucky State Police, a laser strike on an aircraft “can temporarily blind or disorient the pilot, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.”

As a result, two individuals were located and arrested at a residence in the 4100 block of U.S. 62 near Mayslick.

The suspects were identified as 49-year-old Jason McKee of Mayslick and 55-year-old Donald Boone, both of Aberdeen, Ohio.

Both individuals were lodged in the Mason County Detention Center.

McKee is charged with first-degree wanton endangerment of police officer, first-degree wanton endangerment – discharge of firearm and laser/vision interference light director at aircraft with disrupted travel.

Boone is charged with first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer.

This case has also been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for possible additional charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.