Provincial police are investigating after an OPP helicopter was hit by a laser in Elgin County.
The police helicopter was in flight, participating in a training exercise around 9:30pm on Monday when it was struck by the laser beam. The crew avoid the laser strike, preventing any permanent injury to crew members.
"Laser attacks on aircraft are a serious and growing concern. The OPP take these actions very seriously and if the person(s) responsible are identified, they will be held accountable for their actions," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair in a release issued Wednesday.
Police are reminding the public that pointing a laser at an aircraft can create a distracting glare and temporarily blind pilots.
Those caught pointing a laser at an aircraft could be criminally charged, fined up to $100,000 and receive a maximum of five years in prison.
According to Transport Canada, incidents of laser being pointed at planes and helicopters are on the rise. Almost 600 cases were reported in Canada in 2015.