Police are investigating following reports that a laser was aimed at a helicopter that flew over Timaru on Wednesday evening.
Sergeant Warrick Worth said the helicopter was being used in a training flight over the city when a green laser shone at him from the Otipua Rd area at 7:45 PM.
Worth said police would like to hear from anyone who has information on the case.
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“We take these violations extremely seriously,” Worth said.
Worth wanted the public to know that the crime, known as endangering transportation, carried a maximum sentence of 14 years.
Possession of a high-powered laser risked a fine of up to $2,000 and three months in prison, he said.
“It’s extremely disruptive to shine a laser into the cockpit,” Worth said.
“It’s extremely dangerous.”