A 23-year-old Denver man accused of aiming a laser pointer at a Denver Police Department helicopter has been indicted by a federal grand jury.
Logan Scott Debyle allegedly used a green laser pointer during a Nov. 4 protest over the presidential election in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, aiming it at the cockpit of DPD’s Air 1. The helicopter crew was able to pinpoint who was using it, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint against Debyle on Nov. 6 but then took the case to a grand jury. It is against federal law to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft.
“We are proceeding with this and other matters to ensure that laws are enforced both here in Denver, as well as at the United States Capitol,” U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said in the news release. “Peaceful protests will be protected, but lawless rule breaking will not be tolerated.”
If Debyle is found guilty, he will face a sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
