LABETTE COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Air Support Unit was recently assisting a local law enforcement agency in Labette County when the flight crew was targeted by an individual aiming a green laser at the aircraft.
The flight crew located the individual and directed KHP ground units to the area. The individual then fired several shots at the aircraft before leaving the scene in a vehicle. KHP ground units stopped the vehicle and took the individual into custody.
Laser strikes are dangerous for flight crews, particularly during night operations, as they can create a serious safety risk. State and federal law prohibit directing a laser at an aircraft in flight. Fortunately, no members of the flight crew were injured during this incident.