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Wed, Dec 21, 2005

Man Accused Of Aiming Laser At News Copter

Charged With Assault, May Face Two Years In Jail

Earlier this week, New Jersey police arrested a man accused of shining a laser pointer into the cockpit of a hovering news helicopter.

Pedro Vegas, 36, was charged with several offenses, including assault. Police told the San Francisco Chronicle Vegas had confessed to the crime.

The helicopter, flying for New York's WNBC-TV, had been covering a traffic accident November 18 when the light shone into the cockpit, temporarily blinding the pilot. A cameraman also onboard was able to catch the light on film, however, and that film will be used as evidence, said Passaic County sheriff Bill Maer.

Vegas could face as much as two years in jail on charges of causing or risking widespread injury or damage, tampering with evidence, and giving false reports to law enforcers. He also has been charged with interference with transportation, as well as the assault charge.

However, unlike similar offenders the Patterson, NJ resident will not be charged under the US Patriot Act, said Maer, as the laser was not pointed at a commercial aircraft.

FMI: www.dhs.gov

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