‘People don’t realise the seriousness of firing a laser at our aircraft or any aircraft’
A man in the US has been shot dead after pointing a laser and firing a rifle at a police helicopter.
The unnamed 33-year-old pointed a green laser from inside his home at the helicopter while it was circling north of downtown Detroit, according to police.
An investigation into the incident is underway, with Michigan State Police saying that detectives have not yet been able to determine a motive behind the man’s actions.
The bright laser could have blinded the pilot, which could have brought many casualties.
Police found five firearms in the abandoned home he was staying in.
In footage from the helicopter shared by Michigan State Police, the man can be seen aiming a laser at the helicopter before coming out of his house with a “long gun.”
The pilot can be heard saying: “We got somebody hitting us with a green laser on the rear of the house, upper window.
“Now there’s somebody standing at the back door. Right now, they’re in the backyard.
“He actually might, he might be armed.
“He almost looks like he’s holding a long gun pointed at us right now. Yeah, he’s shooting at us right now.
“He’s firing rounds. He’s got a long gun, extended magazine.”
There were no injuries to troopers or members of the public. Trooper Two (Helicopter) was not hit in the incident. Below is part of the video in the incident. It may be disturbing to some. 3/ pic.twitter.com/hCe46s4O2X
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) January 25, 2023
Police then locked the area and cornered the suspect.
After engaging in crossfire, two state police troopers moved in and shot the man dead.
There were no other injuries or casualties.
Speaking to Fox 2, Michigan State Police Lieutenant Mike Shaw said: “If the pilot had been blinded and crashed into this neighborhood, it would have been a lot worse.
“People don’t realise the seriousness of firing a laser at our aircraft or any aircraft.
“Troopers returned fire – the suspect was hit and went down.
“We had our emergency support team show up, and went up to approach the house.
“There were concerns because he was still armed and was laying there.”
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