A Vaughan teen was arrested early Friday morning, accused of pointing a laser at a police helicopter and obstructing the pilot’s vision.

Around 12:15 a.m., the York Region Air2 police chopper was doing a routine check over the Weston Rd. and Langstaff Rd. area when a laser beam hit its windshield, illuminating the entire cockpit in blindingly bright red.

The pilot, who was wearing protective eyewear, managed to swerve out of the way and see the beam being shone from a car below.

Police pulled over the vehicle and found a laser pointer. An 18-year-old male faces several charges, including mischief endangering life and obstructing police.

“It was one of those small lasers people use as pointers during a presentation,” said Insp. Angelo De Lorenzi. “That’s all it takes. It’s very dangerous.”

Reports of aircrafts being hit with lasers spiked dramatically in 2011, to 229, up from 183 in 2010, according to Transport Canada. York police choppers experience laser strikes at least a few times a year, according to De Lorenzi.

“As soon as the laser hits the helicopter, it lights the whole cabin up and disables the pilot’s vision,” he said, adding that the effects could be “blinding.”

Health Canada says looking into a laser pointer can result in “flash blindness,” where a flash remains in your eyes for a few seconds before fading away. For pilots in control of aircrafts flying over populated areas, the consequences can be grave.

Under the Aeronautics Act, pointing a laser at an aircraft cockpit is a federal offence carrying a maximum penalty of $100,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.

“It’s hard to believe that they’re that powerful,” said De Lorenzi.