Fairfax man charged with shining laser pointer at police helicopter

A 47-year-old man who allegedly aimed a laser pointer at a police helicopter has been charged with a felony, Fairfax County police said today.

A county helicopter was in the air near Newington Forest Avenue and Winding Way on the morning of Feb. 12 when a green laser light and a white light made it difficult for them to see the ground and their equipment, police said.

Patrol officers investigated March 4, finding Raymond J. Poli of the 7800 block of Blue Jasmine Court at his home -- the home the flight crew had determined was the source of the lights, said police.

They charged Poli with interfering with the operation of an aircraft and endangering life, a felony.

Poli faces the potential of both jail time and a fine if convicted of the alleged offense, police said.

-- David P. Marino-Nachison