Laser Pens Target Police Helicopters in Exeter and Dartford
Two brazen laser attacks on National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters happened within 24 hours, putting pilots, crew, and the public at risk. The culprits were caught and now face serious jail time.
Exeter Incident: 10 Minutes of Danger
In Exeter, a thug aimed a laser pen at an NPAS helicopter for a whole 10 minutes. Police acted fast, using the aircraft’s camera and tracking systems to track down the offender.
NPAS South West warned the public about the grave dangers. Their tweet said pilots could be temporarily blinded and crash in busy areas. They labelled the attack “stupid and dangerous” and reminded that offenders face up to five years in prison.
Dartford Repeat Offence – Suspect in Custody
The second incident struck Dartford, Kent. Around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023, another laser pen targeted an NPAS helicopter. Patrols quickly responded.
Police arrested Terry Miller, 62, from St Johns Road, Dartford, seizing the laser pen. Miller allegedly aimed the beam at the helicopter, risking the pilot’s eyesight and flight safety. He was released on bail and will appear in Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 3.
The Deadly Risks of Laser Pens
- Laser pens may be small but are extremely hazardous to pilots’ eyes.
- The light can travel far, entering cockpits and causing temporary or permanent vision impairment.
- ‘Flash blindness’—a sudden, intense brightness—can disorient pilots, particularly dangerous during takeoff and landing.
- Glare from lasers obstructs vision and can cause discomfort and confusion mid-flight.
- Severe cases cause retinal burns and scarring, leading to lasting vision damage or even permanent blindness.
The severity depends on laser strength, exposure time, and distance. These incidents remind everyone that laser misuse isn’t just reckless – it’s criminal.
