Man Accused of Pointing Laser at Sheriff's Helicopter

A 55-year-old north Florida man is accused of shining a laser light into the cockpit of a Marion County Sheriff's helicopter.

Deputies arrested Mark Allen Geoghagan on Wednesday, hours after they say he pointed the light at the helicopter. It's unclear whether he has an attorney.

The Ocala Star-Banner reports the pilot and tactical flight officer were assisting deputies with a suspicious vehicle investigation when the helicopter was struck with the light three to four times. The laser temporarily blinded the pilot and briefly affected his night vision goggles.

The pilot and officer then helped direct deputies to Geoghagan's address. Geoghagan told deputies the device was a laser comb.

Geoghagan told deputies he didn't mean to harm anyone and asked if he could do anything to help them.