Teen points laser at plane, faces possible felony charge

When police are searching for someone pointing a laser at airplanes, it might not be the best decision to point the laser at the helicopter searching for the culprit.

But that’s what authorities said a teenager in Newport Beach did.

Newport Beach Police arrested a 15-year-old Las Vegas resident on Christmas after the boy had been out using his new present, police said.

He pointed it at a SkyWest plane, and the pilot notified John Wayne Airport traffic controllers, police said. When a police helicopter scouted for him, he put his sight on them and was arrested at 8:51 p.m., Newport Beach Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

The boy, who was visiting relatives, used the laser on an Orange County Transportation Authority bus as well, police said.

He was charged with a felony, but Sailor said the charge could go as misdemeanor. Police usually go with the higher charge in these cases, but leave the ultimate decision up to prosecutors.

— Daniel Tedford