A 51-year-old man from Bakersfield has denied claims that aimed a laser pointer at a Kern County Sheriff’s helicopter.

Kevin Rooney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office says Barry Bowser Jr. is accused of disrupting the search for a gunman on Sept. 12 of last year.

“He was arrested – the helicopter was hit by the laser numerous times,” he said. “It’s extremely dangerous for somebody to do that.”

Rooney says Bowser fled from his home and was later arrested in San Luis Obispo. He’s scheduled to appear in federal court in Fresno on April 20.

– Anthony Pollreisz