Deputies arrested a Clearwater man for felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device after he illuminated an airborne Sheriff’s Office helicopter.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 1940 Cove Lane in unincorporated Clearwater.

According to deputies, the Sheriff’s Office helicopter was airborne over unincorporated Clearwater, when they spotted a controlled fire on the property of a residence off Belleair Road. The aircraft circled the area while waiting for patrol units to arrive and determine the fire was not a threat.

Brian Harting accused of shining a laser at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter

While the helicopter was in-flight, a subject standing in a backyard of a residence, southwest of the controlled fire, shined a red laser lighting device at the aircraft three times.

Patrol deputies were directed by the Flight Unit to 1940 Cove Lane in unincorporated Clearwater, where they made contact with 48-year-old Brian Harting, Harting admitted to illuminating helicopter with the laser lighting device and stated he was unaware it was illegal.

The laser used by Harting was recovered, which had a warning sticker on it stating, “Never aim at aircraft.”

Per Florida State Statute, it is a third degree felony for any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.

Harting was arrested and charged with felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The investigation continues.