BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham man is accused of shining a laser at a Border Patrol helicopter.
Authorities say a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent who was flying in a Blackhawk helicopter Wednesday night sought medical attention after a laser was shined into his eye from a Bellingham-area home.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Ronald Boettcher into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of unlawful discharge of a laser.
Jail records show the suspect was released Thursday on $1,500 bail.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office says Boettcher denied shining the laser but later changed his story after authorities discovered the laser pointer in his possession.