Med Flight unable to land at UTV crash site due to laser pointer

COLUMBIA COUNTY (CBS 58) – A Med Flight helicopter was unable to land at a UTV crash site in Columbia County on Tuesday because someone pointed a laser pointer at the pilot.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the helicopter was responding to the Town of Scott where a 17-year-old suffered a head injury during a UTV crash.

As the Med Flight was attempting to land, authorities say someone on the ground pointed a strong laser at the helicopter. The pilot was unable to land near the crash site and suffered an eye injury from the laser.

Med Flight was forced to abort the landing and return to its home base where the pilot was treated for the injury.

The sheriff’s office is searching for the person responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1(800)293-TIPS (8477) of Det. Sgt. AJ Agnew at (608) 742-4166 ext. 3318.