Federal Charges Filed Against Man Accused Of Pointing Laser At OKC Police Helicopter

Federal prosecutors have filed a felony complaint against a 20-year-old Oklahoma City man, accusing him of aiming a laser pointer at a police helicopter.

Prosecutors accuse Derrick Sullivent of pointing a green laser beam at an Oklahoma City Police Department helicopter on Sunday, June 11, and Monday, June 12. Police traced the laser to a home in the 1600 block of S.W. 86th Street. They found Sullivent and another man, 20-year-old Khan Nguyen, standing on the roof of the house. Police arrested both men.

6/13/2012 Related Story: OKC Police Report Rise In Lasers Pointed At Aircraft

U.S. Attorney Sanford Coats says the crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Authorities say lasers can distract or temporarily blind pilots, putting them and their passengers in danger.

Sullivent does not have a listed telephone number and court records did not list an attorney for him.

6/11/2012 Related Story: Authorities Investigate Helicopter Laser Danger In OKC