COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — A Columbus man was arrested Saturday night after a Bartholomew County sheriff’s deputy observed him aiming a laser at his patrol vehicle.

Several reports were received by the sheriff’s office over the last week regarding someone aiming a laser at aircraft in the area of the Columbus Municipal Airport.

On Saturday night, another report came in, which prompted a sheriff’s deputy to be dispatched to the area of the airport, but the deputy was unable to find the source of the laser.

Twenty minutes later while travelling on U.S. 31 near I-65, the deputy observed a green laser emitting from a black passenger car. At that time, the laser was pointed at the deputy’s patrol car.

After a traffic stop, the driver was identified as 49-year-old Christopher Clem of Columbus. During the investigation, two laser devices were found, along with methamphetamine and crushed prescription painkillers.

The deputy also recovered a handgun in Clem’s vehicle.

Clem admitted to the deputy that he aimed a laser at planes flying overhead.

Clem was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail, where he is being held on charges of pointing a laser at a public safety officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and dealing in a controlled substance. All charges are enhanced due to Clem being in possession of a firearm.

The U.S. Air Marshalls and the Federal Aviation Administration continue to investigate at a federal level.

(Provided Photo/Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office)

(Provided Photo/Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office)