Amarillo Suspects Plead Guilty to Aiming Laser Pointer at DPS Helicopter

Two Amarillo residents have pleaded guilty to one count each of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and aiding and abetting and face up to five years in federal prison.

Matthew George Dodgen and Christopher Anthony Cantrell pleaded guilty to the June 1, 2014, incident before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson on Wednesday, November 26.

According to the Department of Justice, Dodgen and Cantrell aimed a green laser pointer at a Texas Department of Public Safety Helicopter as it flew over Amarillo. The helicopter was able to trace the source back to a van parked at a nearby residence.

The two fled in their van, but local police officers were able to pull them over and identify the suspects and their laser pointer.

Both Dodgen and Cantrell face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison as well as a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of January 21, 2015, has been set. Dodgen is free on bond while Cantrell remains in custody.