San Antonio Man Arrested and Charged in Alleged Laser Strike Incident

In San Antonio today, FBI agents arrested 24–year-old Christopher B. Evans for allegedly pointing a laser in the flight path of a helicopter announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Combs, San Antonio Division.

Evans was charged in a one count federal indictment on February 17, 2016, of aiming a laser pointer at aircraft in flight.  The indictment stems from an incident on the morning of October 27, 2015, when a local television news helicopter reported being struck by a laser north of the airport.

Upon conviction, the defendant faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. 

According to the FBI, in 2015, San Antonio ranked among the top 15 cities in the nation for laser strikes, with almost 100 reported.  Laser strikes can blind pilots of airborne aircraft, jeopardizing the lives of persons aboard.

If you have information about a lasing incident, contact the San Antonio FBI at 210-225-6741.  If you see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, call the nearest local law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 911. Tips can also be submitted online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

This indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with the San Antonio Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Hardy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.