A federal grand jury has indicted a Spokane-area man on 2 federal felonies in connection to Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft.
On October 13, 2023, Johnny Blackstock shined a laser at a Life Flight helicopter that was transporting a patient in the Spokane area. A short time later, Blackstock shined a laser at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Air One helicopter that was on routine patrol in the area.
In a news release, Vanessa Waldref, Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington says “Pointing a laser at an aircraft can have life-threatening consequences. Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies protecting the community and first responders life-flighting a patient for medical help face extreme danger from actions like this.” She added that she’s grateful for the law enforcement partners and first responders who put themselves at risk to protect and serve the community.
Thes case is being investigated by the United States Department of Transportation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Cashman.
