A Philadelphia man is in custody on charges he shined a green laser pointer at a patrolling police helicopter, temporarily blinding both officers in it.
Police say the incident happened about 8:30 p.m. Thursday on the ground in the area of Malta & Cyuga Streets. Nineteen-year-old Jose Feliciano was arrested on charges including aggravated assault, risking a catastrophe and possessing an instrument of crime - the laser pointer which police say they recovered.
Investigators say the officers suffered pain and temporary loss of vision.
Police say Feliciano was in custody Friday morning awaiting arraignment in Philadelphia Municipal Court.
It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney, and online court records weren't listing the case, because it won't be docketed until he's arraigned.
Police say federal officials could review the incident for possible charges.
On Sunday, Philadelphia police arrested a man after he allegedly pointed a green laser at a police helicopter as it performed a search in a wooded area of Tacony Creek Park.
Investigators say Luis Martinez, 20, repeatedly pointed a green laser at the chopper. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and possessing an instrument of crime.
Philadelphia Police say that Martinez could face federal charges as well.
