Location: 4000 Block W. Damsen Lane

Incident Date: 10/01/14

Incident Time: 2000

Case Number: 14-12327

Posted by: Media Relations

Suspect: Brian Pennington Age: 40 Residence: Visalia

On October 1, 2014 at 8:00 PM the Sheriff's patrol aircraft was on their way to a petty theft call north of Visalia when the aircraft was struck with a green laser, resulting in both pilot and flight officer being hit in the eye with the laser light. The flight officer was able to use the aircraft camera system to identify the origin of the laser light to the backyard of a residence in the 4000 block of W. Damsen Lane. The Visalia Police Department was contacted by Sheriff's personnel in the aircraft, and quickly sent two officers to investigate. The flight officer was able to direct the officers to the suspect. The officers identified the suspect as 40 year old Brian Pennington, who had possession of the green laser. Pennington was questioned and released by the Visalia officers. The investigation will be forwarded to the District Attorney for review and possible filing of criminal charges.

David Williams, Sergeant( Captain, Retired)

Tulare County Sheriff's Department

2404 W Burrel AveVisalia, CA 93291