By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
An Orland man has pleaded guilty in federal court to interfering with an aircraft by pointing a laser beam at a California Highway Patrol helicopter.
Duane Nighswander, 44, entered the guilty plea today before United States District Court John A. Mendez, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.
On Oct. 21, 2009, the CHP conducted a felony traffic stop near Nighswander's home, according to court documents. Two CHP officers, both licensed pilots, were providing aerial support in a helicopter approximately 700 feet above the ground.
A laser beam was pointed from the ground at the helicopter at least four times, affecting the pilots' vision and ability to control the aircraft, the news release said. Both pilots reported being unable to see during portions of their flight, and one reported a lingering headache severe enough that he was unable to pilot an aircraft for several hours after the incident.
The pilots suffered the effects at different times so were able to work together to keep the helicopter in the air and to identify the source of the laser.
Officers on the ground confronted Nighswander, who eventually admitted pointing a laser at the helicopter and directed officers to where he had hidden the device in his garage.
Nighswander had researched powerful green laser devices and purchased one with a range of up to seven miles, the news release said. When he heard the helicopter near his house, he decided to see whether he could make the pilot "react" to the laser.
Nighswander is scheduled for sentencing Aug. 3. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and a three-year term of supervised release.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.