A 62-year-old man from Regina has been charged with mischief endangering life after a laser beam was directed at a Regina police aircraft during a patrol flight on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when someone aimed a laser at the Regina Police Service’s aerial support unit while it was conducting mid-flight patrol operations.
How Police Tracked the Suspect
According to a news release from Regina police, officers used advanced on-board technology to quickly locate the suspect. The individual had attempted to conceal himself by hiding behind an umbrella in a backyard located in the 2100 block of Francis Street. Patrol officers subsequently arrested the man without incident.
Legal Proceedings
The accused is scheduled to appear in Regina provincial court on June 24 to face the charge. The charge of mischief endangering life is a serious offense that reflects the potential danger posed by such actions.
Police Statement on Risks
In a statement, Regina police emphasized the severe risks associated with pointing a laser at an aircraft. “Pointing a laser at an aircraft poses a serious risk to the safety of those on board,” the statement read. “It also endangers citizens below if the plane should crash as a result.”
Aerial Unit’s Busy Weekend
The aerial support unit had an eventful weekend patrolling the ground from the sky. Over the course of the weekend, the unit responded to nearly 50 calls for service. These calls resulted in multiple arrests, including one for impaired driving, a weapons offense, evading police and dangerous driving, a stolen vehicle, and a robbery.
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