1 arrested after allegedly pointing laser at KSP helicopter

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man is facing charges after authorities say he pointed a laser at a Kentucky State Police helicopter.

According to the Kentucky State Police, troopers arrested 39-year-old Marcus R. Smith of Lexington after he allegedly pointed a laser at a KSP helicopter returning from a nighttime rescue mission at Red River Gorge on Aug. 25.

Authorities say the incident occurred on Aug. 25 around 12:30 a.m. as the KSP Bell 429 aircraft was coming back to Frankfort after a successful rescue.

Troopers say KSP pilots reported a person riding a moped near West Loudon Street in Lexington pointed a laser at the aircraft.

Troopers and Lexington police immediately responded to the area and found a suspect in an alley near North Broadway Street, authorities say.

Authorities say they made contact with Smith and recovered the laser believed to have been used during the incident.

Smith is charged with laser/vision interference, tampering with physical evidence, no operator’s license for a moped, criminal trespassing, no registration and failure to maintain insurance. Possible federal charges are pending.

Authorities say laser strikes pose a serious danger to pilots, flight crews and people on the ground.

“Laser strikes can alter the intended flight path or cause temporary visual disturbances for the pilot and flight crew,” Stepp said. “These are not harmless pranks. They violate federal law and can have dangerous consequences for everyone involved, both in the air and on the ground.”