Deputies Arrest St. Petersburg Man For Misuse Of Laser Lighting Device (24-153)

PINELLAS COUNTY - Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau arrested a St. Petersburg man 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, December 5, 2024, at approximately 8:10 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was airborne and assisting deputies with a burglary call in the 6000 block of 53rd Avenue North, in Unincorporated St. Petersburg. Deputies say flight deputies noticed a blue laser light pointed directly at the helicopter multiple times. Flight deputies maintained visual on the suspect outside of his residence on 54th Avenue North and directed patrol deputies on the ground to his location.

Deputies made contact with 70-year-old Harold Church Jr, 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.

Church was arrested and charged with one count of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting

Device and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Link to the helicopter video: https://youtu.be/Fz4QEDe1LFc

The investigation continues.

Additional Information:

Harold Church Jr. (Suspect - Arrested)

DOB: 06/17/1954

Address: 6735 54th Avenue North, Lot 21

Charge: One Count of Felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device