Selden man pointed laser at police helicopter, cops say

A Selden man faces a reckless endangerment charge for allegedly pointing a laser at a Suffolk County Police helicopter, striking the pilot and flight crew during an active search, authorities said.

Police said Aviation Section officers were flying over Selden about 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, searching for the driver of a motor vehicle crash who had fled the scene of a crash.

While conducting the search, Joseph Gil, 33, was on the property of 205 Dare Road when he pointed a laser at the helicopter, according to investigators.

Aviation Section Officers from, with assistance from the Sixth Precinct and the Canine Section, located Gil a short time later at 196 Dare Road, police said.

He was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor.

Gil was issued a field appearance ticket and is scheduled for arraignment in Suffolk County First District Court at a later date.

Top: GLI file photo