Late Tuesday night a 44-year-old Clearwater man was arrested after deputies say he aimed a laser at a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office helicopter from the top of the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Police say the man was taken into custody at the scene and was booked on charges that include misuse of a laser lighting device, possession of open alcohol and a violation of probation.
Helicopter Crew Tracks Laser to Memorial Causeway
As reported by WFLA, the pilot aboard the sheriff's helicopter followed the laser beam back to its source and guided officers on the ground to the bridge. Clearwater police identified the suspect as Tomasz Walek, 44, and say he was standing next to a bicycle when officers made contact and arrested him.
Charges and Legal Fallout
Walek was booked on state charges, and Florida law treats knowingly and willfully shining, pointing or focusing a laser beam at someone operating a motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft as a third-degree felony under the state misuse-of-laser statute, per the Florida Senate. At the federal level, aiming a laser at an aircraft can also be prosecuted under Cornell Law School, which notes that 18 U.S.C. 39A allows for prison time and fines.
Why Laser Strikes Are a Big Deal
Laser strikes on aircraft remain a significant safety concern. The Federal Aviation Administration reported 10,994 laser incidents in 2025 and warns that even a brief flash can dazzle a pilot or overwhelm night-vision equipment on law-enforcement helicopters. The FAA says it works with local and federal partners to investigate incidents and pursue enforcement, including civil penalties and criminal referrals, to protect aircrews and the public.
Investigation Still Active
Local reports say the investigation is active and authorities have not released additional details about motive or whether federal prosecutors will get involved, per IONTB. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and Clearwater Police Department had not published a detailed statement at the time of initial reporting.
If you see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, call 911 and report the behavior to local law enforcement so crews can document the incident and help keep aircrews and the public safe. The FAA and local agencies encourage reporting so investigators can trace sources and pursue enforcement where appropriate.
