A Florida man is facing a felony charge after pointing a laser beam at a law enforcement helicopter during a routine patrol flight in Ocala.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, their Aviation Unit was conducting a security check when the helicopter crew was repeatedly struck by a green laser beam. The laser caused a dangerous distraction for the flight crew, prompting them to pinpoint its source and direct ground deputies to the location.

Suspect Claims He Was ‘Just Being Silly’

Deputies later arrested 41-year-old Adam Santiago-Lugo, who allegedly admitted to pointing the laser at the helicopter because he was “bored” and thought it was “just being silly.”

“He told deputies that he didn’t realize it was such a big deal,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “But pointing a laser at an aircraft is not only dangerous — it’s illegal.”

Facing Felony Charges

Santiago-Lugo now faces a felony charge for pointing a laser device at an aircraft, a serious offense under Florida and federal law. Authorities emphasized the risks of such actions, which can temporarily blind or distract pilots and jeopardize the safety of flight crews and people on the ground.

Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office used the incident to remind the public that pointing lasers at aircraft is a criminal act with real consequences.

“This isn’t a joke. It puts lives at risk — including the pilot’s, the crew’s, and anyone on the ground if the aircraft is compromised,” the agency warned.

Santiago-Lugo was booked into the Marion County Jail, where he is being held pending further legal proceedings.