PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Federal investigators say an Aloha man has been arrested after allegedly aiming a green laser pointer at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter flying near his home earlier this month.
According to court documents, Brian Kapileo Nepaial, 38, now faces federal charges of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Authorities say the laser incident forced the flight crew to abandon a planned landing and triggered a federal investigation.
Laser Incident Disrupts Federal Aircraft
The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 3, when a CBP helicopter crew flying over Aloha reported that a green laser beam illuminated their cockpit, briefly blinding the pilots. The beam struck both crew members directly in the eyes, prompting them to abort their descent for safety reasons.
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Court documents include footage from the helicopter’s onboard cameras showing the laser’s bright green light shining from the ground up toward the aircraft. The crew circled the area and used the footage to pinpoint the source of the beam.
FBI Tracks Laser to Suspect’s Home
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reviewed the aerial footage and determined that the beam originated from Nepaial’s residence on Pinewood Way. Agents obtained a search warrant and executed it on Oct. 10, recovering the laser pointer allegedly used in the incident, along with drug paraphernalia and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
During the search, agents reportedly discovered a pipe and a bag containing several smaller plastic bags—each filled with about one gram of methamphetamine—for a total of approximately 100 grams.
Confession and Drug Evidence
After being taken into custody, Nepaial waived his right to remain silent and agreed to speak with investigators. According to federal filings, he admitted to owning the laser pointer and said he had recently purchased it on Temu, an online retail platform.
Nepaial also confessed that while standing outside smoking on the evening of Oct. 3, he aimed the laser at an aircraft flying overhead. When questioned about the narcotics, he reportedly acknowledged that the methamphetamine was his and that he sold one-gram bags for $50 each.
Federal Crackdown on Laser Strikes
Federal officials emphasize that pointing lasers at aircraft is a serious crime under U.S. law. Even brief exposure can cause flash blindness or permanent eye injury to pilots, posing severe risks to flight safety.
In recent weeks, multiple similar incidents have occurred in the Portland metro area amid heightened federal air activity linked to immigration enforcement operations. Law enforcement helicopters have been spotted frequently over the city and suburbs, and several individuals have been detained for laser-related offenses.
Last month, four undocumented individuals were arrested after one of them allegedly aimed a laser at a law enforcement aircraft. More recently, medical flights at Oregon Health & Science University were temporarily diverted after an online flyer encouraged residents to target helicopters with lasers—a move officials condemned as reckless and dangerous.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Nepaial has not yet made his initial federal court appearance. He was, however, arraigned Monday in Washington County Circuit Court on unrelated misdemeanor drug charges in a separate case. Federal prosecutors are expected to pursue additional charges once the investigation concludes.
If convicted on both federal counts, Nepaial could face significant prison time and fines. Under U.S. law, deliberately aiming a laser at an aircraft can result in up to five years in prison and substantial penalties.
Federal authorities have urged the public to refrain from using laser pointers outdoors, especially near flight paths, warning that such acts can endanger both law enforcement and civilian lives.
