“We can’t see”: How Sheriff’s Office helicopter crews safely navigate when targeted by lasers

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Sheriff’s Office flight crews who patrol the skies to keep us safe are dealing with some unexpected threats from the ground.

On Friday, SCSO deputies arrested a man for pointing a laser at a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.

While flying in north Spokane, the helicopter was beamed with an intense, green light from a laser on the ground.

“So when that happens, we effectively can’t see outside the aircraft anymore,” said SCSO volunteer pilot, Don Kresse.

The Air 1 helicopter crew was able to use on-board technology to track the laser to a home near Lidgerwood Street and Cozza Drive.

Deputies arrested 68-year-old Ernest Donald for unlawful discharge of a laser, which is a felony.

“When that hits the inside of the aircraft on a convex surface like those windshields, it’s turn the entire inside of the windscreen either green or red,” Kresse said.

Kresse has flown with SCSO for 19 years and said what seems like a small beam on the ground can be very dangerous for flight crews.

“We have fine tactical officers here that have incurred eye injuries from laser strikes,” he said. “It’s also disorienting as well.”

A laser targeting one aircraft in the sky, can also cause other aircrafts in the area to be diverted, even if they are a life-saving aircraft.

“From LifeFlight to airliners to the Air Force, it’s any other aircraft in the area. So, it’s a general hazard to aviation and it’s something we take very seriously,” Kresse said.

Air crews are trained to look down in the cockpit and away from the laser if one hits the helicopter.

Kresse said the helicopter crews are there to help keep the community safe, so the community should help keep the crew safe.

“We’re out there basically performing a public service. We’re trying to help out the public in Spokane and surrounding counties,” he said. “It’s just time for them to exercise a little self-control and realize that those aren’t toys.”