North Bay man arrested for aiming laser pointer at passing police cruiser

A 36-year-old North Bay man was arrested Feb. 22 following an incident in which a laser pointer was pointed in the eyes of a city police officer who was driving nearby. (File)

A 36-year-old North Bay man was arrested Feb. 22 following an incident in which a laser pointer was pointed in the eyes of a city police officer who was driving nearby.

The laser “briefly blind(ed) the officer driving,” police said in a news release Feb. 27.

The incident took place around 10 p.m., when two officers were on general patrol in the Lakeshore Drive area.

The officer was blinded by the laser, “causing an abrupt stop,” police said.

Criminal act

“The second officer was able to identify the individual responsible, who was arrested without incident shortly afterward.”

Not only is pointing a laser at someone dangerous, police also said it constitutes a criminal act.

“Even brief exposure to a laser beam can cause temporary flash blindness, blurred vision, disorientation and headaches,” police said.

“In some cases, lasers can cause more serious or lasting eye injuries. When aimed at a driver, even a momentary loss of vision or distraction can result in loss of vehicle control, placing the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists at significant risk. What may seem like a joke can quickly escalate into serious, life-altering consequences.”

Awaiting a bail hearing

The North Bay man has been charged with assault with a weapon, mischief endangering life and possessing more than one licence.

Acting deputy chief Jeff Warner said in the release that pointing laser beams at a driver is “reckless and dangerous, and it will result in criminal charges.

“In seconds, you can cause a collision or permanent injury. We will continue to investigate these incidents and hold those responsible accountable.”

Anyone who points a laser at an aircraft faces serious criminal penalties, police added, including fines up to $100,000 and five years in prison.

The accused remained in custody pending a bail hearing.