Man accused of directing laser pointer at Air 1 helicopter
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man was arrested on Sunday after allegedly directing a laser pointer at the Erie County Sheriff's Office Air 1 helicopter, the Erie County Sheriff's Office said.
Officials said that the incident occurred shortly after midnight. Derwin Heath, 40, is accused of directing a blue laser at the Air 1 helicopter while it was above Bailey Avenue and Wecker Street. Officials said the helicopter traced the laser pointer to a person on Navel Avenue. Buffalo Police arrived at the scene and Heath was later taken into custody by the Erie County Sheriff's Office.
Heath has been charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree directing a laser at an aircraft.
***
Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.