Gardena man arrested for pointing laser at LAPD helicopter

Brian Gutierrez, a 27-year-old man, was arrested for allegedly shining a high-powered green laser at a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter during a street takeover event on the Los Angeles-Gardena border. This incident occurred around 12:25 a.m. on February 8, at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, where about 50 vehicles and numerous pedestrians were involved in the takeover. Gutierrez attempted to evade capture by hiding in a backyard on Berendo Avenue but was found and arrested without incident. He faces charges of discharging a laser at an aircraft and assault with a deadly weapon, with potential penalties of up to four years in prison. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized the dangers of such actions, highlighting the risk of blinding pilots and endangering lives. Gutierrez also had an active no-bail warrant, and the police recovered the laser pointer used in the incident.