By Sara Beth Williams–
Jail records show a 57-year-old man was released less than 24 hours after he was arrested Thursday night for allegedly aiming a laser at a Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department helicopter.
According to Sgt. Dave Neher of the Citrus Heights Police Department, the incident was first reported to Citrus Heights Police by the sheriff’s department helicopter crew while flying over a subdivision north of Arcadia Drive, within the Mitchell Village area. With the assistance of the helicopter unit, officers were able to locate and detain the suspect.
Authorities believe the laser device was discarded before officers caught up to the suspect. No other aircraft or individuals were involved in the incident.
The suspect, identified as Viktor Chlek, was taken into custody by Citrus Heights Police. He was arrested on charges of discharging a laser at an aircraft. Chlek was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail with a bail set at $50,000.
Discharging lasers at aircraft is considered a serious offense due to the potential for temporary blindness or distraction to pilots, posing a significant safety risk.
Chlek was released during the day on Friday according to Sacramento County Main Jail inmate records.
