On 09/08/13 at about 8:51pm, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department airship, advised Hemet Police Dispatchers via radio that there was a subject discharging a red laser light at their aircraft as they were in flight over Hemet. The aircraft was initially struck from about two miles away.
As the deputies flew closer to the area of Mayberry Avenue and Palm Avenue, the laser light struck their windshield three to four more times as they orbited the area. “Star 9-4” was able to direct Hemet Police officers, via police radio, to the 400 block of Walnut Street where the laser light originated.
Hemet Police Officer Benjamin contacted Mariano Godinez who admitted to shining a laser at the helicopter. Godinez also fit the description of the suspect provided by the observer aboard "Star 9-4." Godinez was arrested for discharging a laser at an aircraft and later booked into the Riverside County Jail.