SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man has been sentenced for pointing a laser in the flight path of a local television news helicopter, authorities said.
A federal judge sentenced Christopher B. Evans, 25, to eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
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The U.S. Attorney's Office said Evans was also ordered to surrender to federal authorities on or before Feb. 27 to begin serving his prison term.
Evans pleaded guilty Sept. 13 to one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft in flight. The U.S. Attorney's Office said that by pleading guilty, Evans admitted that on Oct. 27, 2015, he aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a local television news helicopter as it was flying north of the San Antonio International Airport.
In 2015, San Antonio ranked among the top 15 cities in the nation for laser strikes, with almost 100 reported, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office said laser strikes can blind pilots of airborne aircraft, jeopardizing the lives of persons aboard.
Anyone who has information about a lasing incident can call the San Antonio FBI at 210-225-6741. Anyone who sees someone pointing a laser at an aircraft can call the nearest local law-enforcement agency by dialing 911. Tips can also be submitted online.