An 18-year-old from Goodlettsville is facing serious charges after he allegedly endangered aircraft by pointing a laser. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, involved a Nashville International Airport flight and a Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) helicopter. According to WKRN, the pilot of the airplane informed the control tower after the laser was directed at their aircraft, prompting an investigation.
Late Thursday night, an MNPD helicopter took over the search for the source of the laser. During its patrol, the helicopter itself became a target of the dangerous beam, reports WSMV. Ultimately, the situation led law enforcement to a house party in the Neelys Bend neighborhood where they found Destin Wyndham, 18, and the laser in question.
Wyndham reportedly handed over the offending device to the officers and was placed under arrest. He admitted to having the laser but claimed ignorance of its use against any aircraft. Regardless, authorities have charged him with two counts of aggravated assault on a first responder. FOX 17 noted that the use of a laser in such a manner can significantly impair pilot vision, and such acts are met with substantial legal consequences.
After the arrest, Wyndham was booked into the Metro jail but was released on a $20,000 bond. "Pointing a laser at aircrafts can significantly impair the vision of pilots," stated Metro police. Authorities aim to prosecute such actions to the fullest to deter potential danger to public safety. Wyndham is expected back in court on January 24 to respond to his charges, WKRN mentioned.
