(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment is investigating an incident after being contacted by concerned helicopter pilot in Norfolk County, Ontario.
On Saturday, July 4, 2015, at approximately 11:05 p.m., police received a call from a concerned Air Ornge helicopter pilot after unknowns located at Cockshutt Road near Concession Road 6, Townsend, Ontario address were shining a laser pointer at the helicopter causing a visually dangerous condition for the pilot.
Laser light in the pilot’s eyes causes glare (inability to see past the light). At higher power levels, it can also cause temporary flash blindness and afterimages (like when you look at a bright camera flash, and cannot see for a many seconds afterwards).
When the crew of an aircraft is struck by a laser light, their vision is obstructed and they must maintain control of the aircraft during a very startling and very alarming situation. Police are urging everyone to use common sense when it comes to the use of laser pointers.
We don’t take matters like this lightly. Our messaging needs to be loud and clear that individuals making these poor choices