A man is arrested after pointing a laser beam at four different planes heading toward Tampa International Airport, causing the airport’s departure and landing times to be changed.
Police arrested Ahmed Elhelw, 24, at the Carrollwood Palms complex located at 4302 Gunn Highway at approximately 10:46 pm Sunday night after he knowingly and willfully pointed a laser beam at planes, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Elhelw also pointed a laser beam at a Tampa Police Department helicopter four different times in a four minute time frame.
Elhelw admitted to the offense after a Tampa Police officer/pilot and Elhelw’s friend witnessed the offense. He was charged with one count of misuse of a laser device.