A man accused of pointing a green laser pointer at a Dallas police helicopter flying during an investigation appeared in federal court on Tuesday.
Police say Kenneth Santodomingo, 22, pointed the laser at the aircraft from his home early Monday morning.
He is now is facing a federal count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The penalty for the offense is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Santodomingo's hearing on Tuesday was continued because his attorney, Mark Fernandez, told the judge he needed more time.
Authorities say Santodomingo pointed the laser several times at a helicopter assisting officers looking for a car burglar. The pilot found where the light was coming from and directed officers on the ground to the location.
Dallas police released video of the incident on its YouTube page.
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A plea is expected when his hearing continues on Thursday. The judge is also expected to either set a bond or keep Santodomingo in federal custody.
The FAA said pilots flying into North Texas airports in the last year have reported more than 100 incidents, including 37 at Dallas Love Field, 49 at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and 13 at Fort Worth Alliance, Spinks and Meacham airports.
NBC 5's Ray Villeda contributed to this report.
