MacDil AFB historian accused of laser pointing

TAMPA, Fla. — A historian at MacDill Air Force Base is accused of pointing a laser at a sheriff's helicopter near Tampa.

The Tampa Tribune reports William R. Polson was arrested Friday. Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies say Polson pointed a laser at a helicopter as it conducted routine flight operations near the Plant City Airport around 11 p.m.

Authorities determined the laser came from a nearby subdivision. Sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon says Polson had driven away when deputies arrived but was pulled over and arrested.

Polson is a historian for the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill.

He was charged with misuse of a laser and obstructing an officer without violence. He posted a $2,500 bond Sunday. Records don't show whether he's hired an attorney.

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