Full Notification

DATE/TIME: February 9, 2018 / 11:00pm

INCIDENT: Sheriff’s Helicopter Crew Struck by Laser

LOCATION: 15000 block of Hopland St, Victorville,

VICTIM: San Bernardino County Sheriff Helicopter Crew

SUSPECT: Guillermo Castillo, 35 year old male, Victorville

SUMMARY:
On February 9th, at approximately 11:00 pm, the crew of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Helicopter 40K1 was assisting Victorville deputies with a suspicious subject in the auto dealerships near Civic Drive. While orbiting the area the crew was repeatedly struck on the windscreen by a green laser from the residential area north of their location. Due to the hazards of laser strikes to the crew of any aircraft, 40K1 began efforts to locate the suspect(s). The crew flew to the area where the laser was coming from and were struck a fourth time, at which point the crew was able to identify the residence. 40K1 requested assistance from Victorville deputies who immediately responded to the area. The deputies who responded contacted eight subjects at the residence and were able to identify the suspect, Guillermo Castillos. Deputies at the scene conducted a thorough investigation and recovered the green laser on Castillos’ person. Castillo was subsequently arrested and booked for PC 247.5 Pointing a Laser at an Aircraft.

Sudden exposure to laser radiation during a critical phase of flight, such as on approach to landing or departure, can distract or disorient a pilot and cause temporary visual impairment. FAA studies have shown the adverse visual effects from laser exposure are especially debilitating when the eyes are adapted to the low-light level of a cockpit at night. Similar to a camera flash at close proximity or the high-beam headlights of an oncoming car, recovering optimal visual performance after exposure to laser light may take from a few seconds to several minutes.

Refer: Deputy R. Hoag

Station: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation

Phone No. 909-252-4100

Case No. #171801613


John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department