Long Island Man Faces Charges of Pointing Laser at Aircraft

Authorities have arrested a New York man on charges he aimed a laser pointer at two aircraft over Long Island last summer.

Angel Rivas was released on $10,000 bond Wednesday after his arraignment in U.S. District Court in Central Islip. He was represented by a federal public defender who does not comment on pending cases.

Prosecutors say Rivas is accused of aiming at a commercial airliner headed for Kennedy Airport last August. He also is accused of pointing at a police helicopter.

Prosecutors say investigators determined the beam came from his house in Shirley.

Authorities say laser pointers can disrupt the vision of pilots. There were no reported injuries in these cases.

If convicted Rivas faces a maximum of five years' in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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