Man Arrested For Pointing Laser At Pinellas Sheriff’s Helicopter

ST. PETE BEACH, Florida – Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Florida man after he allegedly pointed a laserat a Sheriff’s Office helicopter.

According to deputies, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was airborne, assisting deputies with an Aggravated Assault call in the area of 6850 Beach Plaza when  flight deputies noticed a green laser being pointed directly at the helicopter multiple times. Flight deputies were able to maintain a visual on the suspect, who was on the balcony of a condo located at 6083 Bahia Del Mar Circle, unit 360.

Deputies made contact with 61-year-old Dann Wagner, who allegedly  admitted to illuminating the helicopter with the laser lighting device.

Per Florida State Statute, it is a third-degree felony for any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.

Wagner was arrested and charged with one count of felony Misuse of a Laser Lighting Device and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.