MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A person was arrested after pointing a laser at a sheriff’s helicopter in Merced County Saturday evening.

Deputies report around 9:10 p.m. their sheriff’s helicopter was on a routine night patrol over the city of Merced when they were flashed by a powerful laser.

The pilot was able to pinpoint the source of the beam and guided ground units to its location. There, investigators report the suspect was found along with the laser device.

As a result, deputies report the suspect was arrested and the laser was seized.

Deputies remind the public that offenders can face time in federal prison and face extremely large fines, as shining a laser at an aircraft is against federal law.