Man charged after laser pointer temporarily blinds police pilot

York Regional Police respond after a helicopter pilot was temporarily blinded by a laser pointer in Richmond Hill on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2014.

A man has been arrested and charged after a helicopter pilot reported being beamed in the eye with a laser pointer beam on Sunday night.

An Air 2 police helicopter was flying in the area of Bayview and 16th Avenues in Richmond Hill at approximately 11:30 p.m. as part of what police said was a routine call.

While flying over one of the parks in the area, the pilot was temporarily blinded by the beam from a laser pointer, York Regional Police said.

The pilot was able to safely land and sought medical treatment.

Meanwhile, police on the ground rushed to the area where the beam originated. Officers stopped a vehicle and arrested a man who has not been identified.