DATE/TIME: February 21, 2023 at 5:50 p.m.
INCIDENT: Point Laser at Aircraft/Penal Code Section 247.5
LOCATION: Hermosa Avenue / Main Street, Rancho Cucamonga
SUSPECT(S): Walter Luna, 40-years-old, Resident of Rancho Cucamonga
VICTIM(S):
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at approximately 5:50 p.m., a San Bernardino County Sheriff's helicopter was struck several times with a high powered laser beam while flying in the area of Feron Boulevard and Hermosa Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.
The tactical flight officer quickly located the origin of the laser by utilizing the helicopter’s camera system to identify an occupied vehicle. The crew maintained oberservations on the vehicle and relayed their position to responding deputies from the Rancho Cucamonga Station.
Once on scene, deputies were directed to the vehicle and contacted the driver, who was identified as Walter Luna. Sheriff's deputies detained Luna and located the laser in his possession.
Luna was subsequently arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center under PC247.5 - Pointing a Laser at Aircraft. Luna remains in custody on $30,000.
The incident was reported to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. If anyone has information about a laser strike or witnesses someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, call 911.
Refer: Deputy David Negron or Deputy Jessica Aguilera
Station: San Bernardino County Sheriff, Aviation Unit
Phone No. 909-252-4100
Case No. 112302230
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
