April 18, 2024 - Tulare County Sheriff’s Office officials report just before 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office’s airplane, Wren-1, was performing routine patrol within the county. While flying over Farmersville, Wren-1’s flight crew was struck by a laser from the ground.

Wren-1’s flight crew identified the home the laser came from and directed Officers with Farmersville PD to the location.

58-year-old Gary Akers was contacted and admitted to pointing the laser at the aircraft. A laser was also found and taken as evidence.

Akers was arrested and booked at the Adult Pretrial Facility. He also has as an active warrant for Possession of Counterfeit Items and Check Fraud.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218.
Source: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office