> A man was sentenced to nine months in prison for pointing a high-power laser at a Metro Police helicopter. Sergio Sanchez, of Las Vegas,

They only come to point lasers at police helicopters.   

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/jul/2 … r-pointer/

A man was sentenced to nine months in prison by a judge for pointing a high-power laser at a Metro Police helicopter, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release.

Sergio Sanchez, of Las Vegas, previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft on Jan. 2, 2025, the release stated. 

In addition to nine months in prison, Sanchez was sentenced to three years of supervised release by U.S. Chief Judge Andrew Gordon. The government had requested a sentence of 21 months, the release stated.

“Pointing a laser into the sky is not a harmless joke,” stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. 

“Pointing one at a police helicopter is a direct threat to the safety of the pilot, the passengers, and everyone on the ground below. High-powered laser beams can instantly impair a pilot's vision during the most critical phases of flight, turning a routine mission into a potential catastrophe. The FBI will use every available resource to track the illegal use of lasers back to their source. If you aim a laser at an aircraft, expect us to come knocking at your door,” Delzotto stated.

According to court documents, Sanchez aimed the beam of a green laser pointer at the helicopter several times as the aircraft was providing support for officers on the ground as they were responding to a call. The pilot had to shield his eyes and divert from the assignment and flight path, the release stated.

Laser beams can cause disorientation, temporary blindness — potentially causing a midair collision or other incident — and in some cases permanent vision problems or blindness. Pointing one at an aircraft can poses safety risks for those on board and on the ground, the release stated. According to the FAA, in 2025, pilots reported 10,993 laser strikes.

“When someone intentionally interferes with a law enforcement helicopter responding to an emergency, they aren't just endangering the crew; they're jeopardizing everyone depending on that aircraft to do its job,” stated Sigal Chattah, first assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada.

“If you think pointing a laser at an aircraft is a joke, today's sentence should make clear that federal prison is the punchline.”