The crew of a medical helicopter was harassed by a laser while flying over Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – A medical helicopter flying over downtown Springfield was targeted with a laser Wednesday evening, officials at Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport said.

The incident was one of more than 20 reported laser strikes on aircraft that occurred across the country overnight Wednesday. 

The practice is illegal as the lasers pose a danger because they can temporarily blind pilots.

Mark Hanna, executive director of Springfield's airport, said Thursday that the helicopter crew reported the incident to the Springfield control tower a little after 5 p.m.

"This is an issue that is nationwide, and as displayed last night, it can happen right here in our own backyard," Hanna said.

A Springfield police report said the incident occurred as the helicopter was landing at HSHS St. John's Hospital.

The crew told police that they thought the laser could have been coming from somewhere near North Grand Avenue, but they could not say for sure.

There were no indications on the report of injuries among the crew as a result of the laser.

Helicopters routinely land and take off at St. John's and Memorial Medical Center.

Local and federal officials are investigating the incident, Hanna said. 

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, he said.

"This is a very serious incident, especially since we have a lot of helicopters that (traverse) our airspace over the city every day," Hanna said. "We are taking this very seriously and are coordinating all efforts with law enforcement to help in their investigation."

- Source: http://www.pjstar.com