Man Accused of Aiming Laser at News Copter

Pedro Vega, 36, was charged with offenses including assault. The WNBC- TV helicopter was covering a traffic accident Nov. 18 when the laser was shone into the cockpit from about 1,000 feet away, said Bill Maer, a spokesman for the Passaic County sheriff.

A helicopter cameraman's film was being used as evidence, Maer said. Vega confessed to police, he said.

Vega faces charges of causing or risking widespread injury or damage, tampering with evidence, and giving false reports to law enforcers. He also has been charged with interference with transportation and assault.

He could be sentenced to up to two years in prison, Maer said.

Vega, of Paterson, N.J., was to be arraigned within three days, Maer said. He has not been charged with Patriot Act violations because the crimes were not committed against a commercial aircraft, Maer said.

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