CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Calgary, Alberta, police say they arrested a man for allegedly pointing a laser beam at a police helicopter on patrol, impairing crew members' vision.
The bright green beam from the laser pointer, which originated on the ground in northeast Calgary about 10:45 p.m. Monday, shined into the cockpit, temporarily impairing the crew's vision and forcing the pilot to maneuver the chopper to evade the laser, The Calgary Herald reported.
The cockpit crew put on protective eyewear and, with support from officers on the ground, searched for the source of the beam. It hit the copter three times during the half-hour search, police said.
Investigators traced the beam's source to a home where they arrested Jason John McConnell, 34, of Calgary on charges of obstructing a peace officer and mischief endangering life. Officers said a search of McConnell's home turned up a high-powered laser that can cause eye damage instantly.
McConnell also is charged with violating Canadian aviation regulations by projecting a bright light source at an aircraft and engaging in dangerous behavior lessening an aircraft crew's ability to perform its duties.
