Laser pointing at airplanes lands Columbus man in jail

Monday, February 5, 2024 at 10:58 AM

A Columbus man was arrested for pointing a laser at aircraft and several drug charges.

On several occasions over the past week deputies from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to reports of someone shining a green laser at aircraft in the area. All earlier attempts to locate the sources were unsuccessful until late Saturday evening.

Just after 10:30 p.m., Deputy Dylan Prather was dispatched to the area of the Columbus Municipal Airport for another report of someone pointing a laser at an aircraft. The deputy was initially unsuccessful in locating the source. Approximately 20 minutes later while traveling on U.S. 31 near I-65 the deputy observed a green laser emitting from a black passenger car. At this time the laser was pointed at the deputy’s patrol car as he drove by the vehicle.

A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Christopher Clem, 49, of Columbus. During the investigation, two laser devices as well as methamphetamine and crushed prescription pills were found.

The sheriff’s office report states that Clem admitted to pointing the laser at an aircraft as it flew overhead.

Clem was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail on charges of: Pointing a Laser at a Public Safety Official, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a controlled substance and Dealing in a Controlled Substance.

All charges were enhanced due to Clem being in possession of a handgun at the time of the incident.

The United States Federal Air Marshall Service and Federal Aviation Administration continue to investigate the incident at a federal level.

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