The Gwinnett County Police Department is reminding the public that pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous and illegal.

The reminder comes after a Lawrenceville man was arrested after police say he pointed a laser at a police helicopter flying in the area of Cedars Road in Lawrenceville. The air unit was conducting training exercises with the Gwinnett SWAT Team at the Gwinnett Police Training Center when it was hit by a green laser pointed at the cockpit.  

The helicopter’s flight crew was able to pinpoint the origin location of the laser and directed officers to make contact with several individuals at the location. After an investigation, Nedzad Mehic, 30, was arrested and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous because it can hinder the pilot’s ability to  handle the aircraft as well as interfering with onboard equipment,” GCPD said in a news release. “This activity is illegal due to the  potential harm it can do to the pilots, the aircraft, and the general public.” 

The case will be referred to the Federal Aviation Administration and the FBI Atlanta office for follow-up.