A Lawrenceville man is in trouble with Gwinnett County police for pointing a laser at a police helicopter.
Investigators said Theodore Rowe was arrested Thursday, July 1 after he was caught on police video pointing the laser at the helicopter as it was making surveillance rounds in the Lawrenceville area. A police report said Rowe pointed the laser at the helicopter two times.
The pilot of the helicopter was able to guide officers to the location of the laser at a residence on Twin Brook Way in Lawrenceville. Initially, Rowe denied pointing the laser at the aircraft, but police said after they confronted him with video evidence, he confessed. Officers confiscated the laser at the scene. according to the police report.
Rowe was charged with using a laser against an aircraft. The case will also be referred to the Federal Aviation Administration for possible federal charges.
The Gwinnett County Police Department issued a statement following Rowe's arrest saying that not only is pointing a laser at an aircraft illegal, but it's dangerous, as well.
"Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous as it can hinder the pilot’s ability to handle the aircraft and interfere with the equipment on board," the statement said.
