On the night of October 13, an intense emerald beam illuminated the sky over Spokane Valley, seizing the attention of two helicopters flying in the vicinity. This enigmatic, brilliant green light ultimately resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old man.

Johnny R. Blackstock has been taken into custody and is facing two counts of first-degree unlawful discharge of a laser, a felony charge.

These allegations stem from Blackstock’s purported use of a green laser to target two helicopters, as reported by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). Currently, he remains incarcerated with a bond set at $5,000.

According to the sheriff’s office, Spokane Regional Air Support Unit’s (SRASU) Air 1 was conducting a routine patrol when the pilot noticed several laser strikes originating from the direction of North Pines Road and East Mansfield Avenue.

Although the laser did not affect the flight crew, they were able to direct Spokane Valley deputies to the source of the laser, KREM 2 reported.

Deputies subsequently apprehended the individual responsible, later identified as Blackstock, and discovered a laser device in his possession.

Further investigations revealed that Blackstock had allegedly targeted a Life Flight helicopter crew with the same laser 15 minutes prior to the incident involving Air 1.

Despite the proximity of the laser, the Life Flight helicopter, which was transporting a patient at the time, was not adversely affected, according to SCSO.

Blackstock has been incarcerated in the Spokane County Jail on two felony counts of first-degree unlawful laser use, in addition to an unrelated harassment charge, KREM 2 reported.

It is important to note that in Washington state, pointing a laser at any aircraft is considered a felony, potentially leading to federal felony charges.

SCSO emphasizes that such actions are “extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening” for both the flight crew and individuals on the ground.

Written by staff