LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky State Police tactical flight officer was hospitalized after a laser beam hit the cockpit of a helicopter searching for a missing child.
Shots were also fired at the aircraft during the incident that happened around 9:40 p.m. Nov. 3, according to court documents and a news release from Kentucky State Police.
It happened near Mayslick, which is not far from Maysville. KSP was assisting in a search for a missing 11-year-old in Robertson County. As the helicopter searched for the juvenile, "the pilot and tactical flight officer were repeatedly struck by a laser beam directed at the aircraft from the ground" in Mason County.
Two suspects also fired gunshots at the helicopter, according to the release.
"Both the laser and gunfire posed a serious threat to the safety of the flight crew and individuals on the ground," KSP said.
Laser beams directed at aircraft can temporarily blind or disorient the pilot and crew.
After investigation, two men were arrested at a residence in the 4100 block of US 62 near Mayslick: 49-year-old Mayslick resident Jason McKee and 55-year-old Donald W. Boone, from Aberdeen, Ohio. Both men were booked into the Mason County Detention Center.
McKee is charged with wanton endangerment, first-degree against a police officer, wanton endangerment, first-degree — discharge of firearm, laser vision interference light directed at aircraft with disrupted travel.
Boone is charged with wanton endangerment, first-degree — police officer.
According to court documents, several people were detained during the search for the suspects before Boone and McKee were identified. During questioning, McKee told investigators he "believed it was a drone." Police said McKee also admitted to firing a .380 handgun on the property during the incident.
Both men pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. Bond for Boone was set at $50,000 cash, and a $100,000 cash bond was set for McKee.
The FBI has been asked to take part in the investigation, and could file additional charges.
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