Kentucky State Police Arrest Two Following Laser Strike Directed at Aircraft
MAYSLICK, Ky. (Nov. 17, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating after a KSP helicopter experienced strikes from a laser device near Mayslick. The incident occurred on Nov. 3, 2025, as KSP was responding to a report of a missing 11-year-old in Robertson County, which included assistance from the KSP Aircraft Support Branch.
During the search for the juvenile, a KSP helicopter was subjected to multiple laser strikes near the Mayslick community in Mason County. During the incident, the pilot and tactical flight officer were repeatedly struck by a laser beam directed at the aircraft from the ground. The tactical flight officer sustained possible physical injury to his eyes as a result of the laser exposure.
In addition to the laser strikes, suspects on the ground allegedly fired multiple rounds from a firearm toward the aircraft. Both the laser and gunfire posed a serious threat to the safety of the flight crew and individuals on the ground. A laser strike on an aircraft can temporarily blind or disorient the pilot, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.
Through the coordinated efforts of the KSP Aircraft Support Branch and local troopers, the two individuals responsible for the dangerous actions toward the aircraft were located and arrested at a residence in the 4100 block of US 62 near Mayslick. The suspects were identified as Jason McKee, 49, of Mayslick and Donald W. Boone, 55, of Aberdeen, OH. Both individuals were lodged in the Mason County Detention Center and were charged with the following offenses.
Jason L. McKee
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree- Police Officer
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree- Discharge of Firearm
- Laser/Vision Interference Light Directed at Aircraft with Disrupted Travel
Donald W. Boone
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree- Police Officer
The case has also been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for possible further charges stemming from the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing by Tpr. Caleb Hamm.
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