An Albuquerque man has been charged in federal court after allegedly directing a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, striking the cockpit more than a dozen times, according to an April 21 announcement.
The case raises concerns about the safety of law enforcement and aviation personnel, as incidents involving lasers can cause serious risks to pilots and crew members during flight operations.
Public court documents state that on October 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz, age 47, aimed a green laser at the Metro 1 helicopter while it was assisting ground operations. The beam reportedly struck the aircraft multiple times and repeatedly hit the pilot’s eyes. Using onboard cameras, the crew traced the source of the laser first to a vehicle in a McDonald’s drive-thru and then to a nearby residence. When deputies arrived at that location, Armendariz fled but was later identified as the individual responsible for pointing the laser at Metro 1.
At that time, Armendariz had an active state warrant related to alleged violations of pretrial release conditions in another case involving charges of receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. Federal Aviation Administration data shows New Mexico ranked second nationally for reported laser incidents per capita in both 2024 and 2025.
Armendariz faces federal charges under Title 18 U.S.C. §39A for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. If convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison and face fines up to $250,000. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office announced these charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this incident with assistance from local sheriff's deputies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena Ritchey is prosecuting the case.
Officials remind that an indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
