LOS ANGELES — Dominic Rios, a 21-year-old resident of Hemet, California, has been arrested and federally charged after allegedly aiming a laser pointer at a helicopter operated by the Los Angeles Police Department, creating a potentially hazardous situation for the flight crew.
The incident occurred on June 10, 2025, while the LAPD was conducting aerial surveillance over downtown Los Angeles during protests. According to the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the police helicopter, flying at an altitude of approximately 950 feet, was struck three times by a green laser beam. Each strike lasted several seconds, lighting up the cockpit and forcing the pilot to adjust course to avoid further exposure.
Officers in the helicopter were able to identify the source of the laser and directed ground units to the location near a parking lot. Responding officers apprehended Dominic Rios, who was found with a green laser pointer in his possession. After being read his Miranda rights, Rios reportedly admitted to using the device to aim at the aircraft.
Testing conducted by LAPD confirmed the laser pointer was hazardous to human eyes. Officials noted that each strike created a serious safety risk and that the pilot had to take evasive action during the incident.
Rios was arrested on July 7 by FBI agents, following the complaint that had been filed on June 27. He has since made an initial appearance before a federal magistrate and was released on bond pending further court proceedings. If convicted, Dominic Rios could face up to five years in federal prison.
“This kind of behavior poses a real threat to aviation safety,” said authorities. The FBI and LAPD, who jointly conducted the investigation, emphasized the dangers of laser interference with aircraft. In 2023 alone, the FAA reported more than 13,000 laser strike incidents across the U.S., underscoring the growing concern among aviation and law enforcement professionals.
Assistant United States Attorney Derek Flores is prosecuting the case.
Federal officials are reminding the public that laser pointers, though seemingly harmless, can blind or distract pilots, risking serious accidents. Anyone caught pointing a laser at an aircraft can face fines, felony charges, and imprisonment.
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