Incident Occurred During Trump Inauguration In Washington, D.C.

A student at American University is facing felony charges for pointing a laser at a U.S. Park Police helicopter on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C.

The student has been identified as 21-year-old George Herdeg from San Antonio, TX. His arrest was disclosed as one of 230 charged with felony rioting during protests held during and after the inauguration, according to a report appearing in The Washington Post.

Herdeg was ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson to not possess a laser pointer and released on his own recognizance. He is next scheduled to appear in court February 8.

Charging documents indicate that the crew of the helicopter that was circling the demonstrations reported a series of "transient green flash[es]" that they identified as a laser being pointed at an aircraft. Herdeg was arrested in possession of a laser pointer after law enforcement officers saw a beam coming from a group of six men. He admitted to having the device, but denied that he had intentionally pointed the laser at the aircraft.

If convicted, Herdeg faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.justice.gov