Joshua J. Johnson, Laser Targeting, Missouri 2024

Temporarily Blinded Pilots Get Justice

In a disturbing display of reckless behavior, 44-year-old Joshua J. Johnson of Warrenton, Missouri, targeted a Metro Air Support helicopter with a high-powered laser pointer, leaving the pilots temporarily blinded.

Johnson’s actions occurred on August 9, 2024 at approximately 9:45 p.m. over the Benton Park neighborhood in St. Louis. The marked helicopter was providing air support to officers on the ground.

A St. Louis County Police Department pilot and a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department pilot were affected by the blue light from the Class IV laser, which flooded the cockpit.

As the laser light began to wane, officers tracked the beam to a vehicle below them and followed it as it drove down the street. The driver aimed the laser at the helicopter again, prompting officers to continue tracking the vehicle and provide updates to ground units. The vehicle was eventually stopped, and Johnson was arrested.

Initially, Johnson denied pointing the laser but later admitted to the crime while in custody. He also confessed to the offense in phone calls from jail.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Johnson to 21 months in prison for the felony count of knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohsen Pasha emphasized that ‘This is dangerous conduct.’ Strong consumer model lasers can permanently blind air crews, and the Federal Aviation Administration can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 for such offenses.

Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division noted that ‘Pointing a laser at an aircraft can have catastrophic consequences, including the potential for fatal accidents if pilots are temporarily blinded. This is not a harmless prank.’

The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Metro Air Support Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohsen Pasha and Derek Wiseman prosecuted the case.

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