Laser pointed at police helicopter at Temple University

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police say someone pointed a laser at a police helicopter in North Philadelphia.

The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. Monday from a dorm building on Temple University's campus at Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

Investigators say the laser came from the upper floor of the Morgan Hall residence building.

A person was flashing a laser at the TacAir police helicopter flying nearby.

Temple University student Nasirah Williams reacted to news of the incident, saying, "It's ridiculous. A lot of people could have gotten hurt. And I just hope they realize how dangerous it was."

Police are coordinating an investigation with Temple University officials. Authorities say they are not amused by this apparent prank.

Philadelphia Police Lt. John Stanford tells us, "We're not going to be able to go door-to-door and kick in doors of the dormitory or any other building for this. But again, it's one of those things where just unfortunately they weren't able to capture where the individual was located once they were able to loop back around."

Police say the guilty party should realize this is a federal crime, and if they can find out who did it they will bring charges.

One upperclassmen tells Action News that this is not the first time this laser beam caper has happened.

Christian Schnitzer says, "It happened last year too .... Same building, but they actually did get in trouble for it."

Lt. Stanford says, "You could kill our officers, and kill a lot of innocent people on the ground as well if they take that chopper down."

If you know who was pointing the laser, police want to hear from you.