A man has appeared in the Gore District Court today after being arrested in relation to laser strikes on the Otago Rescue Helicopter.
Deliberately shining a laser at an aircraft can cause the pilot to become disoriented and temporarily blinded and, in turn, could lead them to lose control of the aircraft.
On May 22, the rescue helicopter was targeted by a laser pointer around 7.30pm - the crew were uninjured in the event.
In a statement, police said the 33-year-old man faced court charged with endangering transport, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.
"I think the majority of the public would agree that deliberately endangering an aircraft, which has the sole purpose of saving lives is absolutely shocking behaviour," said Detective Leigh Waddell of Gore Police.
