Man accused of pointing laser at Florida sheriff's helicopter says he was 'just being silly'
Share and Follow

MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A man claimed he was “just being silly” when he pointed a laser at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office’s helicopter over the weekend, the sheriff’s office said.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said that its Aviation Unit was conducting a security check in Ocala when the crew noticed “a green laser beam that was repeatedly striking the aircraft.”

While the pilot’s vision was obstructed, Corporal Tim Marton was able to use the helicopter’s camera to locate the suspect, who was identified as 41-year-old Adam Santiago-Lugo.

The sheriff’s office said Santiago-Lugo was spotted standing in his driveway with binoculars and a laser pointer.

Courtesy of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office

The aviation crew directed deputies on the ground to Santiago-Lugo’s location while “he continued to strike AIR-1 with the laser beam.”

When questioned about the incident, deputies said Santiago-Lugo claimed he was bored and was “just being silly.”

“Silly sometimes costs you a felony,” a deputy told Santiago-Lugo.

Santiago-Lugo was charged with pointing a laser light at a pilot and resisting arrest without violence. He was taken to the Marion County Jail.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Discover Augusta’s Tourism Boom: Key Insights from the 2025 Growth Report

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta is basking in the glow of another successful…

Philippines Enacts State of Emergency Following Typhoon Kalmaegi’s Devastating Impact, Claiming Over 114 Lives

MANILA – In response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, Philippine…

Trump Highlights Economic Achievements Despite Voter Discontent

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump is set to visit Miami, marking the…

U of I Political Science Expert Anticipates Extended Funding Challenges and Travel Disruptions Amidst Prolonged Shutdown

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The ongoing government shutdown has now become the…

Mysterious Light Illuminates Tuesday’s Night Sky: Uncover the Cause

On Tuesday evening, a peculiar swirling light captured the attention of skywatchers,…

Florida Man Apprehended After Shocking Foot Shooting Incident: WCSO Reports

A Johnson City resident faces serious charges following an alleged shooting incident…

Four Hospitalized Following Vehicle Collision at Sebring Publix

SEBRING, Fla. (WFLA) — A vehicle collision at a Publix store in…

Breaking News: US Transportation Secretary Duffy Addresses Devastating Kentucky Crash and Explosion – Live Updates

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane tragically caught fire on…