Man accused of pointing laser at Air 1 charged with reckless endangerment

LaFayette (WSYR-TV) – A 42-year-old man is accused of aiming a laser at the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office's Air 1 helicopter Wednesday night and is now facing a reckless endangerment charge.

Authorities say Thomas Kurtz, of Naughton Road, pointed the laser at Air 1 at around 9:30 p.m. They also say the beam of light targeted the helicopter several times.

Flight crews were sent to locate the source and notify air traffic control, directing police units on the ground to Kurtz’s residence, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Kurtz was taken into custody without incident.

Kurtz is expected to appear in court on August 29.