PARDEEVILLE, Wis. (AP) — Authorities in southern Wisconsin say a medical helicopter flying in to pick up a UTV crash victim had to cancel its flight when someone shining a laser pointer injured the pilot.
Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards says the UW Med Flight helicopter was trying to land in Pardeeville on Tuesday evening to pick up the 17-year-old crash victim when someone on the ground shined a laser pointer at the helicopter.
Richards says the helicopter pilot suffered an eye injury. The helicopter had to abort the landing.
The helicopter returned to its home base, where the pilot was treated for the injury. The crash victim had to be transported by ambulance.
A sheriff’s deputy suffered a leg injury searching for the suspect.
The Wisconsin State Journal reports aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime.
