Laser Flash on Sheriff’s Helicopter Leads to Arrest in Merced 

August 11, 2025 – Merced Police Department officials report that at approximately 9:10 p.m. last night a Merced County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was conducting a routine night patrol over the City of Merced and was flashed by a powerful laser. The pilot pinpointed the source of the beam, guiding ground units to the location. The suspect was located and the laser device was found with the suspect. The individual was taken into custody by Merced PD and the laser was seized as evidence.

This serves as a reminder that shining a laser at an aircraft is a violation of federal law that prohibits aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path. Offenders can face time in federal prison as well as extremely large fines.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that laser strikes are not a harmless prank they are a serious safety hazard that can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, endangering the lives of those in the air and on the ground.

Thank you to Merced Police Department for your swift response and your continued efforts in keeping our community and neighborhoods safe!

Source: Merced Police Department