Kentucky State Police Arrest Suspect After Laser Strike Investigation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 12 troopers arrested a Lexington man after he allegedly pointed a laser at a KSP helicopter returning from a nighttime rescue mission at Red River Gorge on Aug. 25.

The incident occurred on Aug. 25 at approximately 12:30 a.m. as the KSP Bell 429 aircraft was returning to Frankfort following a successful rescue at Red River Gorge. KSP pilots reported that a person riding a moped near West Loudon Street in Lexington pointed a laser at the aircraft.

KSP troopers and Lexington Police Department officers immediately responded to the area and located the suspect in an alley near North Broadway Street.

Troopers made contact with Marcus R. Smith, 39, of Lexington, and recovered the laser believed to have been used during the incident.

Smith was charged with Laser/Vision Interference, Tampering with Physical Evidence, No Operator’s License for a Moped, Criminal Trespassing, No Registration, and Failure to Maintain Insurance. Possible federal charges are pending.

Post 12 Public Affairs Officer Andy Stepp said laser strikes pose a serious danger to pilots, flight crews, and people on the ground.

“Laser strikes can alter the intended flight path or cause temporary visual disturbances for the pilot and flight crew,” Stepp said. “These are not harmless pranks. They violate federal law and can have dangerous consequences for everyone involved, both in the air and on the ground.

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