Deputies Arrest Man in St. Pete Beach for Shining Laser at Sheriff’s Office Helicopter (25-031)

ST. PETE BEACH – Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau arrested a man in St. Pete Beach for one count of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device after he illuminated an airborne Sheriff’s Office helicopter.

According to deputies, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was airborne, assisting deputies with an Aggravated Assault call in the area of 6850 Beach Plaza. Deputies advised flight deputies noticed a green laser being pointed directly at the helicopter multiple times. Flight deputies were able to maintain a visual on the suspect, who was on the balcony of a condo located at 6083 Bahia Del Mar Circle, unit 360.

Deputies made contact with 61-year-old Dann Wagner, who admitted to illuminating the helicopter with the laser lighting device.

Per Florida State Statute, it is a third-degree felony for any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.

Wagner was arrested and charged with one count of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The investigation continues.

Additional Information:

Dann Wagner (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 04/02/1963
6485 East Harbor Road #28, Marblehead, Ohio.
Charge: One count of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device.