Two men have been arrested after targeting a KSP aircraft with a laser, injuring one of the flight crew.
Kentucky State Police said a KSP Aircraft Support Branch helicopter experienced “strikes from a laser device near Mayslick” on November 3 as troopers were searching for a missing 11-year-old girl in nearby Robertson County.
“During the incident, the pilot and tactical flight officer were repeatedly struck by a laser beam directed at the aircraft from the ground,” according to state police.
The tactical flight officer sustained injuries to his eyes as a result of the laser exposure.
In addition to the laser strikes, the suspects shot a firearm multiple times at the aircraft.
“Both the laser and gunfire posed a serious threat to the safety of the flight crew and individuals on the ground,” KSP said. “A laser strike on an aircraft can temporarily blind or disorient the pilot, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.”
Through the coordinated efforts of the KSP Aircraft Support Branch and troopers, the two suspects, 49-year-old Jason L. McKee, of Mayslick, and 55-year-old Donald W. Boone, of Aberdeen, were located and arrested at a residence in the 4100 block of Hwy 62 near Mayslick.
McKee was charged with multiple counts of first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, first-degree wanton endangerment (discharge of a firearm) and laser/vision interference light directed at an aircraft.
Boone was charged with multiple counts of first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer.
The suspects were lodged in the Mason County Detention Center. McKee is being held on a $100,000 cash bond while Boone was lodged on a $50,000 cash bond.
State police said the case has been referred to the FBI for possible additional charges.
The missing 11-year-old Robertson County girl was later found and is safe.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
