VIDEO: Man arrested in Harlingen for shining laser at helicopter, DPS says

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — A man is behind bars after allegedly shining a laser pointer at a law enforcement helicopter.

Pedro Cortina was arrested on a charge of illuminate aircraft with laser pointer, impairing operator, according to Cameron County Jail records.

ValleyCentral spoke with Sgt. Maria Hernandez with the Texas Department of Public Safety, who said that Cortina shined a laser at a DPS helicopter that was in the area.

Video provided by DPS shows two individuals standing outside of a car, with one of them pointing a green laser at the helicopter. At one point, one of the individuals reaches into the car, appearing to pull out a firearm and aim it at the helicopter.

Ground units responded and made contact with the suspect, identified as Cortina, at the 500 block of Taft Avenue. Troopers learned that the weapon involved was a BB gun. Cortina was taken into custody and transported to the Cameron County Jail.

Cortina is a felon and was out on probation, DPS added. Records show that he is pending arraignment.

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