Port St. Lucie witnessed an uncommon sequence of events involving a hit-and-run suspect and an unrelated hazardous distraction for a search helicopter. On a recent Tuesday evening, according to CBS12, officers responded to a report of a Dodge truck crashing into a canal after hitting a pedestrian near Wawa on NE Prima Vista Blvd. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Samuel Massucci, fled the scene.

In the midst of a chopper search for Massucci, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Air unit pilot had their attention dangerously captured by a laser pointed at the aircraft, revealed by the PSLPD. Directing the officers to a home on SE Crosspoint Drive, 48-year-old Pasquale Vennare was found as the individual responsible for the laser interference.

Vennare was subsequently arrested and charged with pointing a laser at a driver or pilot, having his bond set at $2,500 for his reckless actions. WPTV reported the event, highlighting the risks such actions pose to aviation safety.

While the search for Massucci continued in earnest, he was eventually located at his residence on NE Placita Court.