CHP explains dangers of laser strikes after Palm Springs-area incident

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) - A recent laser strike involving a California Highway Patrol helicopter near Palm Springs is putting new attention on the danger a beam of light can create for crews in the air — and for people on the ground.

The incident happened Aug. 21 while a CHP pilot and flight officer were conducting a training flight near Palm Springs. According to CHP, the helicopter was struck by a laser several times over the course of several minutes.

The crew was able to trace the source of the laser to Desert Hot Springs using technology aboard the aircraft. Local law enforcement later responded and took a person into custody.

CHP Flight Officer and Paramedic Matthew Napier told News Channel 3 the danger can begin the moment the light reaches the cockpit.

“The dangers of a laser strike are immediate,” Napier said. “As soon as that light hits the cockpit ... their vision can immediately be taken away.”

Napier said pilots rely heavily on their vision, whether they are looking outside the aircraft or at instruments inside the cockpit. He compared the experience to someone shining a bright light into a driver’s eyes while they are traveling down a freeway.

A laser can also leave what Napier described as an afterimage, meaning the effect on a crew member's vision may continue even after the beam is gone.

How CHP crews respond

Napier said CHP pilots and flight crews receive extensive training for emergency situations, including laser strikes, loss of vision and situations where crews lose outside visual references.

The first priority is maintaining control of the aircraft.

Pilots may rely on their instruments while other members of the crew work to determine where the laser is coming from. Napier cautioned that even looking at instruments can become difficult if a crew member's vision has been impaired.

CHP aircraft are also equipped with technology that can help crews locate the source of a laser.

Napier said aircraft used by CHP in the area are equipped with thermal imaging and cameras. A flight officer can use those tools while the pilot focuses on flying the aircraft.

“He's able to use his camera to then find the laser and then pinpoint an address or location,” Napier said.

Once crews identify a location, they can communicate directly with law enforcement officers on the ground and provide them with information to help locate the person responsible.

In the August incident, Napier said the investigation was turned over to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department after officers responded and took a person into custody. Any decisions on charges would be handled by investigating authorities.

A danger that can extend beyond the aircraft

Napier said many CHP pilots and crews have experienced laser strikes during their careers.

He also cited more than 1,300 laser strikes reported to the Federal Aviation Administration in California in 2025.

CHP says the concern is not limited to high-powered lasers.

Napier said any intense light directed into a cockpit can interfere with a pilot's ability to see, including a high-powered flashlight.

“So it removes that pilot's ability to see, takes away their safety of flight and can potentially lead to worst case scenario being an aircraft crash,” Napier said.

He said the danger can extend to pilots, crew members, passengers and people on the ground if a pilot loses the ability to safely control an aircraft.

Possible criminal consequences

Napier said pointing a laser at an aircraft is taken seriously at both the state and federal levels.

Someone accused of doing so could potentially face criminal charges, fines and imprisonment.

CHP's message is simple: what may appear to be a harmless light from the ground can create an immediate safety risk in the air.

News Channel 3 is continuing to follow the investigation into the August incident.