FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – A Fairfax man was charged Thursday with endangering the lives of aircraft operators.
A county police chopper was flying over Mantua Elementary School, near George Mason University, when the pilot spotted a group of people at the elementary school at 11:26 p.m.
“The helicopter was returning from another mission at another location in the county when the pilot spotted the group at the elementary school,” said Fairfax police spokeswoman Tawny Wright.
The pilot called officers on the ground investigate, and as officers arrived one of the members of the group shined a laser light at the helicopter, blinding the crew members, said Wright.
There were no reports of injuries.
Michael E. Promisel, of 8938 Glenbrook Road in Fairfax, is charged with interfering with the operation and an aircraft, said Wright.
If convicted, Promisel could face up to 12 months in jail or a $2,500 fine, said Wright.
