Man faces charges after targeting a helicopter with a laser

A Wilmington man is facing a felony charge after shining a laser on the police helicopter. Around 8:30 Saturday night, the sable helicopter pilot reported the chopper was being targeted by a laser around the area of Hinton and Park avenues. The laser was shining in the pilot’s eyes.

SABLE used infrared technology to locate the suspect, Nicholas Lexton Wheeler.

The man was standing in the backyard of a home on Park Avenue. Police arrested Wheeler and charged him with interference with a flight crew. He was released on bond.

The FAA has been notified.