A woman from Delta Junction has been sentenced to three years of probation for interfering with military operations by directing a high-powered laser at helicopters. The incident took place on February 11, 2024, when Canadian Military Aircrews were flying tactical helicopter squadrons near Allen Army Airfield.
The Alaska State Troopers were alerted by Anchorage Airport Traffic Control following a report from a Canadian Military Pilot about lasers being aimed at his aircraft. According to court documents, the aircraft was flying at approximately 4,200 feet and encountered the laser while in a holding pattern. Each time the helicopters passed over a specific cabin, they were targeted by the laser. When descending to land at Allen Army Airfield, they experienced another hit.
Troopers identified Heide Goodermote, 49, as the individual responsible after responding to the cabin. Goodermote admitted that she was angered by the helicopters flying over her property and decided to point a laser at them.
Law enforcement later seized the laser on February 15, 2024, identifying it as a class IIIB device capable of causing immediate eye damage or skin burns due to its output power ranging between 5 and 500 milliwatts. Three members of the Canadian Air Force crew reported eye injuries resulting from Goodermote's actions.
Goodermote pleaded guilty on November 26, 2024, to misdemeanor charges related to assaulting or impeding officers performing official duties.
"Ms. Goodermote wrongly believed the helicopters had no right to fly over her property and decided to take matters into her own hands by shining a dangerous laser at the helicopters and crew that could have caused serious damage," stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn R. Vogel for the District of Alaska. "We are thankful the incident did not result in substantial loss of life or property."
The case was investigated by the FBI Anchorage Field Office with assistance from Alaska State Troopers and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek.