A Franktown resident, Kevin William Adamchak, 43, has pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The incident occurred on March 2, 2023, when a Denver Police Department helicopter known as “Air 1” was assisting other law enforcement agencies with aerial surveillance in Denver.
According to the plea agreement, the helicopter was struck by a blue laser while in flight. Using onboard thermal imaging and camera equipment, the Air 1 crew traced the source of the laser to a parking lot near East 55th Avenue and Logan Court. Authorities identified Adamchak as the individual responsible for the laser strike.
The pilot of Air 1 reported experiencing flash blindness and intense pain in both eyes during the incident but managed to maintain control of the aircraft until his vision returned.
United States Attorney Cole Finegan stated: “What some may think is just a prank—pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft—actually presents a deadly risk to people in the aircraft and on the ground. We hope that this case will raise public awareness of these serious dangers.”
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek added: “A laser strike on an aircraft is not a game. It’s a serious action with possibly lethal consequences. The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate these incidents.”
Adamchak is scheduled for sentencing on March 7, 2024. A United States District Judge will determine his sentence after reviewing federal guidelines and statutory factors.
The FBI conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jena Neuscheler and Alecia Riewerts are prosecuting.
Case Number: 23-cr-00303-RMR
