Aloha Man Charged, Allegedly Targeted Law Enforcement Helicopters With Laser – KXL

PORTLAND, OR – The United States Attorney’s Office has announced that Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, 38, of Aloha, has been charged for allegedly pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Helicopter and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

According to court documents, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser on October 3rd, causing the pilot to abort a planned landing. The flight crew said they observed a person walking near a residence and disappearing.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation is said to have identified the residence, then agents executed a federal search warrant there a week later. Agents say they found a laser in the bedroom of Nepaial.  They also say they discovered over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.

“Laser strikes are a serious matter with potentially deadly repercussions. They put the lives of the pilots and the public at risk. Aiming or pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and will be prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to 40 years in federal prison.

Kapileo Nepaial is currently in Washington County custody on a parole violation.