Man accused of temporarily blinding helicopter pilot with hair growth laser comb

A Florida man accused of shining a hair growth laser comb into the cockpit of a Sheriff's Office helicopter early on Wednesday as the pilots were investigating a suspicious incident has been arrested. Mark Allen Geoghagan, 55, was charged with pointing a laser light at a driver or pilot and was taken to the Marion County Jail.



According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, helicopter pilot, Sgt. Darren Bruner, and tactical flight officer, Sgt. John Rawls, were assisting deputies on the ground with a suspicious vehicle investigation when the helicopter was struck with a laser light three to four times. The laser temporarily blinded Bruner and briefly affected his night vision goggles.

Once Bruner regained his vision, he and Rawls assisted in directing deputies on the ground to an address in Silver Springs Shores. There, Geoghagan said the device was a Bosley Laser Comb he uses on his hair. Geoghagan told deputies he was experimenting in his backyard with the comb. He said he was surprised how far the laser went into the trees and that when he pointed it in the air, the helicopter flew by.



There was a yellow warning label on the handle of the comb that stated, "Laser Light. Avoid Direct Eye Exposure. Class 3R Laser Product." Deputy Nathan McLain talked with Geoghagan, who admitted that he pointed the light at the helicopter as it flew by, but said he did not want to hurt anyone. According to McLain, Geoghagan also told him: “Is there anything I can do for them? I’ll even cut their grass.” Geoghagan's bond was set at $2,000.