Two cases of individuals pointing a laser light toward an Osceola County Sheriff's Office helicopter led to one arrest, with charges pending in the other case.

The most recent incident occurred Sept. 2 when a Sheriff's Office aviation unit was assisting the St. Cloud Police Department with a burglary call in the area of Alabama Avenue and Third Street in St. Cloud. The pilot observed someone point a laser into the helicopter several times, Sheriff's Office reports said. Deputies on the ground were able to locate the individual at a nearby house. Charges are pending against the homeowner.

On June 15, Ramon Figueroa-Rodriguez, 24,  of 2248 E. U.S. Highway 192, Kissimmee, was arrested and charged with misuse of a laser pointing device after deputies with the aviation unit were assisting patrol deputies located a suspect in the area of Royal Palm Drive in Buenaventura Lakes. The pilot observed an individual pointing a laser at the helicopter. That person was later identified as Figueroa-Rodriguez.

Misuse of a laser-pointing device is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine.

Laser beams can cause eye damage or distractions, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain said.