What to Know
- A Brooklyn man is charged with a felony and other crimes after pointing a laser at an NYPD helicopter Tuesday night, according to police.
- James Dowling, 42, is charged with reckless endangerment, directing a laser at an aircraft and criminal trespass for allegedly pointing a laser at a police helicopter shortly before 10 p.m. and temporarily blinding the pilot.
- The helicopter was flying due to the George Floyd protests marking the first anniversary of his murder at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
A Brooklyn man is charged with a felony and other crimes after pointing a laser at an NYPD helicopter Tuesday night, according to police.
James Dowling, 42, is charged with reckless endangerment, directing a laser at an aircraft and criminal trespass for allegedly pointing a laser at a police helicopter shortly before 10 p.m. and temporarily blinding the pilot.
Attorney information for Dowling was not immediately clear.
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The helicopter was flying due to the George Floyd protests marking the first anniversary of his murder at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
"Last night, @NYPDSpecialops Aviation was over Manhattan -- protecting NYers from above -- when they were hit with a green laser from a Brooklyn rooftop, temporarily blinding the pilot," NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a tweet. "@NYPD76Pct cops were able to locate & arrest the offender, who is now charged with the felony."
