SPOKANE, Wash. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced that a federal grand jury indicted a man for aiming a laser pointer at a Spokane County Sheriff’s aircraft and Life Flight helicopter.
The man, Johnny R. Blackstock was accused on Oct. 13, 2023, of shining a laser pointer at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Air One helicopter that was on routine patrol in the area.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft can have life-threatening consequences. Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies protecting the community and first responders life-flighting a patient for medical help face extreme danger from actions like this,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref in the press release. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partners and first responders who put themselves at risk to protect and serve our community.”
Blackstock though indicted has not been charged since an indictment is merely an allegation, and by law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is still being investigated by the United States Department of Transportation.
