A Louisville man, Justin E. Freeman, has been sentenced to three months of federal incarceration followed by three months of home confinement for aiming a laser at a police helicopter. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett from the Western District of Kentucky, along with Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Bennett emphasized the potential danger posed by Freeman's actions: "This senseless act could easily have resulted in tragedy for the crew of the helicopter, other aircraft, and citizens on the ground," he stated. He further noted that law enforcement will continue to aggressively pursue individuals engaging in such criminal behavior, commending both the FBI and LMPD for their swift action in apprehending Freeman.
Court documents reveal that Freeman, 33, aimed a laser beam at an LMPD helicopter on or about September 30, 2023. In addition to his incarceration and home confinement, Freeman will undergo two years of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Judd and investigated collaboratively by the FBI and Louisville Metro Police Department with support from the Federal Aviation Administration.
