The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to check their outdoor Christmas light displays, especially when using laser beam holiday lighting.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2015 the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office RAVEN helicopter was conducting a routine flight in the Reno area.
At one point during the flight, the pilots were temporarily blinded by red and green lasers that were directed into the helicopter cockpit.
RAVEN pilots and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol Deputies investigated the origin of the laser beams and found that they were a part of a residential Christmas light display.
While this incident was not intentional and the RAVEN pilots were not injured, The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens, especially those who may live in the flight path, to adjust their laser projected lights. The adjustment should ensure that all beams of laser light be focused on the home to avoid any stray lighting.
The Reno Flight Standards District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that homeowners move their laser projected lighting closer to their residence or move the projection from an elevated area down toward their home.
Any questions related to laser Christmas lighting can be directed to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 328-3001.
