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Lexington man arrested for pointing laser at KSP helicopter
A 39-year-old Lexington man, Marcus R. Smith, has been arrested after allegedly pointing a laser at a Kentucky State Police (KSP) helicopter. The incident took place around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, near West Loudon Street in Lexington.
At the time of the strike, the Bell 429 aircraft was returning to Frankfort following a nighttime rescue mission at Red River Gorge. KSP pilots reported the laser strike, prompting a response from KSP troopers and the Lexington Police Department. Officers located Smith in an alley near North Broadway Street and recovered a laser believed to be used in the incident.
Smith has been charged with Laser/Vision Interference, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Trespassing, and several moped-related offenses, including operating without a license or insurance. Authorities noted that possible federal charges are pending. KSP officials emphasized that laser strikes are dangerous, as they can cause visual disturbances or alter a pilot's intended flight path.
Entities
Frankfort · Kentucky State Police · Lexington Police Department · Marcus R. Smith · Red River Gorge
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police arrested 39-year-old Marcus R. Smith and recovered a laser believed to have been used in the incident. amnews.com · winchestersun.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Smith faces charges including Laser/Vision Interference, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and several moped-related violations. amnews.com · winchestersun.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Lexington man was arrested for allegedly pointing a laser at a Kentucky State Police helicopter. amnews.com · winchestersun.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The laser incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, while a Bell 429 aircraft was returning to Frankfort from a rescue mission. amnews.com · winchestersun.com