An Ōamaru man was arrested on Monday night after a rescue helicopter was targeted with a high-powered laser.

At about 10pm on Monday, police were notified by the Otago Rescue Helicopter that a laser had been pointed at them, Ōamaru Police Sergeant Tony Woodbridge says.

 “The laser was shined at the helicopter for a total of four minutes, which is incredibly irresponsible and dangerous,” Sgt Woodbridge says.

“Pointing a laser at any aircraft can affect a pilot’s ability to safely control the plane or helicopter and can cause loss of vision. Even from several metres or even kilometres, this can cause serious harm.

“Emergency services and our community rely on that chopper service and putting the chopper pilot at risk puts people’s lives at risk.”

The helicopter hovered above north Ōamaru to pinpoint where the laser had come from, locating the alleged offender’s whereabouts and informing police.

The alleged offender got into his car, drove north from his home address and went into a covered petrol station in an attempt to hide from the helicopter, Sgt Woodbridge says.

Police on the ground were guided to the vehicle, and officers were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the occupant who they say admitted to shining the laser at the aircraft.

A laser was recovered from the front seat of the vehicle, and a 39-year-old man charged with endangering transport was bailed to appear in the Ōamaru District Court next Wednesday (27 November).