Full Notification

 DATE/TIME: January 14, 2018 / 9:00 pm
 
INCIDENT: Discharge of laser at aircraft PC-247.5.
 
LOCATION: 1800^th Block of Calico St, Barstow
 
SUSPECT(S): Jorge Rodriguez, 28 year old
 
VICTIM(S): Sheriff's Flight Crew
 
 
SUMMARY: On January 14, 2018, Sheriff's helicopter 40king4, with a crew of Pilot Deputy Ryan Conner and Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Cody Korkotsakis, was working a call over the City Barstow. While on the call the crew were struck multiple times by a green laser. The crew, using their FLIR camera, were able to locate the subject who was pointing the laser at their helicopter in a back yard of a residence, and contacted the Barstow Police Department for assistance.
 
Barstow Police Officers responded to the residence. After an investigation,  officers were able to identify Jorge Rodriguez as the suspect and were also able to recover the laser he used to point at the aircraft.  Rodriguez was arrested for a violation of Penal Code Section PC247.5, and booked at the Barstow Jail.
 
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public that pointing any type of laser at an aircraft in operation, while in motion or in flight, could severely damage the pilot's ability to control the aircraft. It is a felony and also a Federal offense.
 
Refer:                     C. Korkotsakis/#D7728
 
Station:                  Emergency Operatinos / Aviation
 
Phone No.             909-252-4100
 
Case No.                Barstow PD #18204
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department