Bakersfield Man Arrested for Aiming Laser at Kern County Sheriff Helicopter

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 3 months ago on

March 7, 2025

Brett Curtis Hair, 22, of Bakersfield, was arrested for allegedly aiming a laser at a Kern County Sheriff's helicopter on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP File)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A 22-year-old Bakersfield man was arrested Friday for allegedly aiming a laser pointer at a Kern County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

The incident occurred on Sept. 11, 2024, when Brett Curtis Hair reportedly targeted the aircraft, known as Air One.

Laser exposure can impair vision and jeopardize flight safety, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Officials report 12,840 laser strike reports from pilots in 2024.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Hair faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted, the DOJ said.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Crews Battle Active Wildfire in Yokuts Valley, Evacuation Warning Issued

DON'T MISS

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

DON'T MISS

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme

DON'T MISS

His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years

DON'T MISS

Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified

DON'T MISS

Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise

DON'T MISS

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa

DON'T MISS

Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo

DON'T MISS

Trump Amplifies Outlandish Robot Biden Conspiracy Theory

UP NEXT

Fresno County Crews Battle Active Wildfire in Yokuts Valley, Evacuation Warning Issued

UP NEXT

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

UP NEXT

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme

UP NEXT

His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years

UP NEXT

Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified

UP NEXT

Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa

UP NEXT

Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo

UP NEXT

Trump Amplifies Outlandish Robot Biden Conspiracy Theory

UP NEXT

Madera County Authorities Seek Public’s Help Locating Missing At-Risk Man

Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.