Sandy man used laser pointer on helicopter, threatened to take down aircrafts, charges say

SANDY, Utah (ABC4) — A Sandy man has been charged after telling law enforcement that he would use a drone or invent an unregulated device in order to take down any aircraft entering “his airspace.”

Joseph Talbot, 46, has been charged with threat of terrorism using a hoax weapon of mass destruction, a third-degree felony, and threat of terrorism causing an emergency agency to act, a Class B misdemeanor.

According to court documents, on June 28, 2025, deputies with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s responded to a residence in Sandy on reports of a suspicious circumstance. Dispatch was alerted that someone had targeted a helicopter with a laser pointer.

When law enforcement arrived on scene, they located Talbot in the area and told him they were there to investigate the incident involving the laser pointer. Talbot allegedly admitted that he “absolutely” shined the laser at the aircraft.

While speaking with deputies, Talbot went further, saying that if any aircraft entered “his airspace” below 1,200 feet, he would “defend” his airspace by crashing his drone into the aircraft. He also allegedly stated that he may need to invent something unregulated to take down aircrafts, because “if it hasn’t been regulated yet, it can’t be illegal.”

Documents say that law enforcement tried to explain that his actions could endanger lives. Talbot allegedly responded that he “didn’t care” and it would not impact him. According to documents, law enforcement is concerned that Talbot “has the capability to carry out the threats that he made.”

Talbot is not currently in custody, but a warrant has been filed for his arrest.