Williamsport Man Charged with Shining Laser at Police Helicopter

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The Federal Bureau of Investigation, today, arrested James Gautieri, of Williamsport, PA, on a federal complaint and warrant charging that he interfered with, and attempted to interfere with, the authorized operation of an aircraft with reckless disregard for the safety of human life, in connection with the use of a high powered laser light directed at a Philadelphia police helicopter, announced United States Attorney Michael L. Levy. The incident occurred on April 30, 2008, near the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Philadelphia police located and apprehended Gautieri a short time after the incident. He was originally charged by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office but now faces federal charges pending formal indictment.

Under the federal statute, if convicted, Gautieri faces a statutory maximum possible sentence of 20 years.

The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Salvatore Astolfi.

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