SANTA ANA (CNS) - A 43-year-old man has been charged with pointing a laser at an Anaheim helicopter, according to court records obtained Thursday.
Juan Hernandezortiz was charged Wednesday with a felony count of discharging a laser at an occupied aircraft as well as single misdemeanor counts of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He pleaded not guilty and was next due in court June 6 for a pretrial hearing in the West Justice Center in Westminster.
The practice of aiming a laser at an aircraft is dangerous because it can temporarily blind a pilot, officials say.
The Anaheim helicopter was struck by several laser strikes about 10:40 p.m. Friday near Brookhurst Street and Katella Avenue, according to Anaheim police Sgt. Jon McClintock.