Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Shining Laser at CHP Plane
Fresno, CA – In a disturbing display of reckless behavior, 20-year-old Andrew Zarate, a resident of Fresno, California, pleaded guilty to shining a powerful green laser pointer at a California Highway Patrol (CHP) airplane, Air 43.
According to court documents, Air 43 was struck up to 50 times by the laser pointer, causing the pilot to suffer temporary blindness. The incident not only put the pilot’s life at risk but also forced Air 43 to break away from a burglary in progress at a Fresno middle school.
Zarate’s actions were not only reckless but also put innocent lives at risk. The consequences of shining a laser at an aircraft can be catastrophic, and it’s fortunate that no one was seriously hurt in this incident.
Zarate is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill on November 3, 2014. He faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Fresno Office, California Highway Patrol, and Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen A. Escobar and Michael G. Tierney are prosecuting the case.
This is not the first instance of someone being charged with shining a laser at an aircraft in Fresno. In June, David Walter Fee, 22, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to the same offense and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2014.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of reckless actions. It’s essential for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and consequences of their actions, especially when it comes to safety-critical situations like aviation.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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