“This individual shined a laser at our aircraft for several minutes,” says Staff Sgt. Paul Shafer, of the EPS Canine and Flight Operations Section.
“These actionsrecklessly endangered the health of the Air-1 crew members and impacted the safe operation of the aircraft. I sincerely hope that by publicizing the results of this event and subsequent investigation, it will send a strong message of deterrence, so that Air-1 can carry out its mission to enhance safety in the City of Edmonton without this type of irresponsible hinderance.”
At approximately 3 a.m., Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, EPS Air-1 pilots alerted Southwest Division patrol members that an unknown individual on the ground was lasering the aircraft with a green light sporadically and placing Air-1 members in danger.
Air-1 members were able to direct patrol officers to a Riverbend-area address believed to be where the laser incident had occurred. While speaking with a 46-year-old male occupant of the residence, patrol members observed a laser pointer inside the suite.
John Barclay, 46, of Edmonton, has since been charged with assault with a weapon and mischief endangering life.
These photos are screen captures taken from Air-1 in connection to a laser-pointing incident at approximately 3 a.m., Monday, Dec. 14, 2020.
Left: A green laser is spotted by Air-1 members being pointed out of a residence window in southwest Edmonton.
Right: What Air-1 pilots visually endured for several minutes while the laser was pointed directly at the EPS helicopter.
