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

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