VIRGINIA — A man has been charged after authorities say he directed a laser at a medical helicopter as it attempted to land at LewisGale Alleghany Hospital, creating a potentially dangerous situation for the flight crew.
According to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on the night of May 28, 2026, to a reported laser strike involving a medical helicopter operating in the county.
Authorities said an individual intentionally pointed a laser at the aircraft while it was in flight and attempting to land at the hospital. The flight crew reported that the laser interference posed a significant hazard and nearly caused them to abort the mission.
Deputies immediately responded to the area and launched an investigation. Using information provided by the flight crew, investigators were able to identify the residence where the laser originated.
The suspect was identified as James Eric Caldwell. He was taken into custody and charged with a felony count of interference with the operation of an aircraft under Virginia Code § 5.1-22.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that directing lasers at aircraft is extremely dangerous and can temporarily impair a pilot’s vision, placing pilots, medical personnel, passengers and the public at risk. Officials said such actions can also jeopardize critical emergency operations, including medical transport missions.
The investigation remains ongoing.
