Kentucky Men Accused of Firing at Police Helicopter and Blinding Crew With Laser During Search for Missing 11-Year-Old, Deputies Say
MAYSLICK, KENTUCKY — Two men are behind bars after a Kentucky State Police helicopter searching for a missing 11-year-old child was repeatedly struck by a powerful laser — and then shot at multiple times — in an attack investigators say could have ended in catastrophe.
Helicopter Crew Hit by Laser While Searching for Missing Child
According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), the incident happened on November 3, when officials launched an aerial search near the Mayslick community for an 11-year-old reported missing from Robertson County.
During the operation, the pilot and tactical flight officer were struck over and over by a laser beam directed from the ground, temporarily disorienting them inside the aircraft.
KSP emphasized the extreme danger laser strikes pose:
“Laser strikes can temporarily blind or disorient the pilot, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.”
Officials say the flight officer even suffered possible eye injuries due to the attack.
Officials Say Gunfire Was Also Directed at the Aircraft
The situation escalated further when the suspects allegedly opened fire on the helicopter, shooting several times at the aircraft while it hovered over the rural area.
Investigators called the incident a “serious threat to the safety of the flight crew and individuals on the ground,” noting that both laser strikes and gunfire could have caused a tragic crash.
In addition to KSP’s investigation, the FBI is reviewing the attack because it involved interference with an aircraft, a federal offense.
Two Men Arrested at a Home Along U.S. 62
The day after the laser and gunfire incident, state police arrested:
- Jason McKee, 49, of Mayslick
- Donald W. Boone, 55, of Aberdeen, Ohio
Deputies found both men at a residence along U.S. 62 and took them into custody without incident.
According to KSP, McKee is charged with:
- Wanton endangerment of a police officer
- Wanton endangerment by discharging a firearm
- Laser/vision interference light directed at aircraft with disrupted travel
His bond is set at $100,000.
Boone faces:
- Wanton endangerment of a police officer
- A drug-related charge
His bond was set at $50,100.
Both men remain housed at the Mason County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
Incidents like this show the extreme risks law enforcement officers face even during life-saving missions. For more developing community stories and critical safety updates, keep reading ChicagoMusicGuide.com.