Man 'charges at police with hammer after being caught shining lasers at planes'
One pilot was left with temporary blindness and lingering blurred vision
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has been arrested for allegedly pointing lasers at planes trying to land at a Florida airport.
Charlie Chapman Jr aimed the laser at a plane four times, as well as a sheriff's helicopter as they tried to land at Sarasota Bradenton Airport, police say.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said one pilot was injured after the laser hit him directly in the eyes.
It caused caused temporary blindness and lingering blurred vision, the police report said.
The Orlando Sentinel said a video also shows a man appearing to throw objects at the sheriff's helicopter as it tried to land.
Authorities were led to Chapman after several police pilots reported the incidents, and found the 41-year-old on a forklift truck.
When approached, he reportedly went towards them with a hammer, causing officers to use a stun gun to subdue him.
He has been charged with aggravated assault on an officer, pointing a laser at a pilot with injury, pointing a laser at a pilot without injury and resisting without violence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments