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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Man accused of pointing laser light at police helicopter

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 07/26/2012 12:27 PM

The Winnipeg Police helicopter is seen in a file photo. (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

A 19-year-old man was arrested late Wednesday and accused of pointing a laser light at the crew of the Winnipeg Police Service AIR1 helicopter.

The helicopter was helping patrol officers break up a bonfire party on the banks of the Assiniboine River in Omand Park just before midnight Wednesday, when a green laser light was repeatedly flashed at the helicopter, WPS spokesman Const. Eric Hofley said.

Hofley said the pointing of laser light beams at the helicopter flight crew is potentially dangerous, adding this is the fourth such incident since AIR1 went into service on Feb. 1, 2011.

"Youth tend to not think properly about what the outcome might be," of flashing a laser pointer at the helicopter crew, Hofley said, adding the pilot was forced to take evasive action to ensure no one on board was harmed.

Hofley said the 19-year-old man was released on a promise to appear. He did not have information on what charges he is facing, but added that in the past, similar incidents resulted in charges of assault with a weapon and charges under the Aeronautics Act of projecting a bright light source at an aircraft.