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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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