According to investigators, the Tampa Police Department helicopter was conducting routine flight operations at 3:40 a.m. on Sunday, when the helicopter was targeted by a blue laser being directed from a location on the ground.
The air crew was able to direct patrol units to the location where the laser shot originated and officers came into contact with a man in the backyard of the residence at 10712 N. Central Avenue, who investigators say was in possession of a blue laser.
The man, who was identified as Mark A. White, 40, was arrested for the felony criminal offense of Targeting an Aircraft with a Laser.
The FBI has been notified and is on scene now conducting a concurrent investigation for consideration of additional federal criminal charges.
