Tampa, FL – A 13-year-old has been arrested after allegedly pointing a laser at a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office helicopter while it was flying over Tampa on Sunday night.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the incident occurred September 21, 2025, when the Aviation Section was struck multiple times by a green laser beam coming from the Avina apartment complex. Deputies monitoring the aircraft’s cameras were able to track the beam’s source and direct ground units to the exact apartment where the strikes originated.
Sheriff’s officials say Angel Lacen, 13, was taken into custody and charged with Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that pointing lasers at aircraft is not a harmless prank but a serious offense that can put pilots, passengers, and people on the ground in danger.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a prank. It is dangerous, puts lives at risk,” the agency said in a statement. Deputies added they will continue working to keep both the skies and the community safe.
Laser strikes on aircraft can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, leading to dangerous situations during flight. Federal and state authorities treat these incidents as aviation safety threats.
The Sheriff’s Office released aerial video footage showing the bright green laser beam targeting the helicopter, followed by deputies pinpointing the apartment where it originated.
Residents are urged to report laser misuse immediately.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
