Aspen August Schaffer, Laser Pointing at Aircraft, Idaho 2024

State: Idaho
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/post-falls-man-sentenced-federal-prison-pointing-laser-helicopter" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – A Post Falls man was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison for pointing a laser at an aircraft, authorities announced today.

Aspen August Schaffer, 31, aimed a bright green laser at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office helicopter on August 16, 2024, as it flew overhead. The laser struck the helicopter multiple times and impaired the vision of the pilot, sergeant, and deputy on board.

The helicopter lost altitude, but the pilot regained control and brought the aircraft back up to altitude. Law enforcement tracked the car Schaffer was in and arrested him. Schaffer had a blood alcohol level of .11 when he was booked into jail.

Schaffer was known to law enforcement and has prior felony convictions. He was indicted in September 2024 by a grand jury and charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft in violation of federal law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Coeur d’Alene Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci J. Whelan prosecuted the case.

Schaffer will serve an additional 3 years on supervised release after he is released from prison. The incident highlights the dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft and the severe consequences of such actions.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing aviation safety and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions. Schaffer’s sentence sends a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated.

Schaffer’s case is a stark reminder of the risks associated with pointing lasers at aircraft. The incident could have had catastrophic consequences, and it is fortunate that the pilot was able to regain control of the helicopter.

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