Man Indicted In Use Of High Powered Laser

Posted on 5/10/2013

Defendant: Michael Rademacher

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announce that today the Franklin County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Michael Rademacher, for one count Interfering with the Operation of an Aircraft with a Laser, and one count Possession of Criminal Tools.

On March 21, 2013, Columbus Police Department officers were on helicopter patrol flying in a CPD helicopter, orbiting a target address. During their flight, officers were hit by a bright blue, high powered laser through the windshield of the helicopter. The officers were able to regain their composure and determine that the laser was emitted from Mr. Rademacher’s home on Manville Court in Columbus. Columbus Police executed a search warrant at Rademacher’s home and recovered a high powered laser and interviewed Rademacher regarding possession of that device. If convicted, he faces up to 9 years in prison