Teen Arrested After Allegedly Shining Laser at NYSP Helicopter

A teenager in the Syracuse area is in hot water after interfering with New York State Police.

Green Laser Disrupts NYSP Helicopter

According to a press release from the New York State Police on the night of July 17th, 2026, a NYS Police helicopter was "operating near Buckley Road in the town of Salina" outside of Syracuse.

The press release explains that the pilot then "reported that a green laser illuminated the aircraft’s interior."

The pilots of the helicopter were able to locate where the green laser was coming from. The New York State Police explain that the helicopters thermal imaging system was used to locate "an individual beneath an overhang near a picnic table who was allegedly directing the laser at the aircraft."

They write:

The pilot relayed the individual’s location to troopers assigned to ground patrols for the Syracuse Nationals After Hours event.

Teenager Arrested After Shining Laser at NYSP Helicopter

In the press release we learn that the individual who allegedly was operating the laser, was a teenager.

The New York State Police report that a 16-year-old was taken "into custody without incident." They add that a "laser-equipped device was recovered and secured as evidence."

We learned from the statement that the teenage was charged with "Directing a Laser at an Aircraft in the First Degree." The teen was issued an appearance ticket for Onondaga County Youth Part Court and was later released to a parent.

Reminder: Pointing Lasers at Aircrafts is Illegal in NY

It may seem like common knowledge, but the New York State Police are using this opportunity to remind New Yorkers that pointing a laser at an aircraft is "extremely dangerous and illegal."

On Instagram back in June of 2026, the New York State Police explain just how dangerous lasers can be to pilots.

In an Instagram post the New York State Police explain:

Laser beams can temporarily blind, distract, or disorient pilots during critical phases of flight. Even a brief laser strike can impair a pilot’s vision, create dangerous glare in the cockpit, and compromise the safe operation of the aircraft.

They say in a sever case a laser strike "could contribute to a loss of aircraft control and potentially result in a crash."

Take a look at their post and warning below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by New York State Police (@nyspolice)