Sheriff’s Office Executes Search Warrant In Medical Helicopter Laser Investigation

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Investigators with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Thursday afternoon in connection with an incident in which a laser was pointed at a medical helicopter near Johnston County Regional Airport.

Deputies were at a home at 1610 Swift Creek Road, near the intersection of Weatherspoon Lane. Authorities said one person was present during the search.

The warrant is tied to an April 17 incident in which a Duke Life Flight helicopter was struck by a green laser while approaching the airport for landing. No injuries were reported. Officials said it was the third such incident in a matter of days and warned the acts pose a serious risk to pilots and crew.

The home searched is located about a mile from the airport runway.

Authorities said additional details about the search and investigation will be released at a later time.

Since the April incident, investigators have identified multiple cases over the past year involving lasers and high-beam lights directed at aircraft operating near Johnston County Regional Airport.

Officials said video captured from a Duke Life Flight helicopter during one of the incidents has aided the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing, with assistance from the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office.

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