Oshawa Man Charged After Laser Incident with Police Helicopter
On October 25, 2024, a 27-year-old man from Oshawa, identified as Arsh Sharma, was charged after allegedly pointing a laser at a Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) helicopter. The incident occurred around 11:05 p.m. in the area of Deer Valley Drive and Snowbird Street, Oshawa. The DRPS Air1 helicopter was reportedly targeted multiple times with a green laser, posing a significant safety risk to the crew onboard.
Police tracked the laser's origin to three individuals walking on the road. Officers, with assistance from the K9 Unit, apprehended the suspect and recovered the laser pointer nearby. Sharma faces charges including two counts of Mischief Endangering Life, Being Intoxicated in a Public Place, and Failure to Appear. He was released on an Undertaking.
The allegations against Sharma have not yet been proven in court. The DRPS encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Constable Pano of the Central West Division. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.