A helicopter that was participating in a training exercise with OPP specialty teams in the Elgin County area was struck with a laser while in flight Monday evening.
The flight crew responded and avoided the laser strike, say the OPP, preventing any permanent injury to the crew or impact to flight operations.
"Laser attacks on aircraft are a serious and growing concern. The OPP take these actions very seriously and if the persons responsible are identified, they will be held accountable for their actions." said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair.
According to Transport Canada, incidents of lasers pointed at aircraft are rising in Canada.
In 2015, there were almost 600 reported incidents in Canada. Pointing a laser at an aircraft can create glare that distracts or temporarily blinds the pilots, putting passengers, as well as people on the ground, at serious risk.
It is also criminal offence to point a laser at an aircraft.
Offenders will be charged and could face fines up to $100,000, five years in prison - or both.
