Man arrested and charged for pointing laser at aircraft

SPOKANE VALLEY – In a recent incident that underscores the gravity of laser strikes on aircraft, a suspect was apprehended after targeting a helicopter with a green laser. The suspect, 42-year-old Johnny R. Blackstock, was arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful discharge of a laser 1st degree. The incident occurred on the evening of October 13, 2023, near Spokane Valley, Washington.

At approximately 7:55 PM, the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit’s (SRASU) Air 1 helicopter was on a routine patrol flight when the pilot and crew reported multiple strikes from a green laser originating f...