Helicopter Crew Blinded by Lasers in Santa Rosa: Man Arrested on Drug Charges Amid Aerial Assault

Friday, 59-year-old Santa Rosa resident Robert Stewart was arrested for allegedly pointing high-power lasers at a helicopter, causing potential danger to the crew and violating both state and federal laws. According to a Facebook post by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, the incident took place as the aircraft, known as Henry-One, was assisting local law enforcement with air patrols.

The crew of Henry-One was reportedly blinded by a blue laser while checking on possible sideshow activity in Santa Rosa Avenue and Kawana Springs Road area. Shortly after, a green laser also struck the helicopter from a separate location. As Henry-One attempted to identify the source of both lasers, it was struck several more times by the blue laser.

The crew managed to pinpoint the source of the blue laser using their onboard camera system. In coordination with deputies on the ground, they traced the beam to its origin in the 2200 block of West Avenue.  Stewart was subsequently arrested at the scene, also possessing suspected cocaine at the time.

In addition to pointing a laser at an occupied aircraft, Stewart was charged with drug possession. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office highlighted the serious consequences of aiming lasers at aircraft, which can cause lasting damage to pilots' eyesight and impede their ability to safely fly.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), laser incidents can result in fines of up to $11,000 per incident, with a maximum penalty of $30,800 for multiple occurrences.