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Federal Prosecutors: Franktown Man Pleads Guilty to Blinding Police Helicopter Pilot with Laser Pointer

DENVER — A Franktown man has admitted guilt to the charge of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft after temporarily blinding a police helicopter pilot in Denver. Kevin William Adamchak, aged 43, pleaded guilty to the crime. The incident occurred earlier this year, on March 2.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado released a statement, stating that Adamchak intentionally targeted Denver’s Air 1 helicopter with a blue laser while it was conducting aerial surveillance. The release also mentioned that the Air 1 crew used a thermal imager and camera to trace the origin of the laser strike to a parking lot near the intersection of East 55th Avenue and Logan Court in Denver. The suspect, later identified as Adamchak, was located by Air 1.

The pilot of Air 1 reported experiencing flash blindness and intense pain in both eyes due to the laser strike. However, he managed to maintain control of the helicopter until his vision was restored. The seriousness of such incidents was emphasized by U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan, who said, “What some may think is just a prank—pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft—actually presents a deadly risk to people in the aircraft and on the ground. We hope that this case will raise public awareness of these serious dangers.”

Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek of the FBI Denver also emphasized the severity of laser strikes on aircraft, stating, “A laser strike on an aircraft is not a game. It’s a serious action with possibly lethal consequences. The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate these incidents.”

Adamchak is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7.

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By taking laser strikes on aircraft seriously, we can ensure the safety of both those on board and those on the ground. Let’s spread awareness and prevent such dangerous acts.

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