Winnipeg police said a male suspect faces charges after a laser pointer was aimed at the police helicopter early Thursday.

Around 12:10 a.m., the helicopter was on patrol above Portage Avenue and Broadway when its female pilot was struck in the eyes by a green laser beam that entered through a lower-side window, said police.

The pilot took evasive action to protect her eyes and those of the flight team.

Flight officers determined the source of the light was coming from a male suspect in the 200 block of Toronto Street, said police. General patrol officers were contacted and arrested a suspect around 12:15 a.m.

"This is not a joke. This is very serious," said Const. Natalie Aitken, a spokesperson for Winnipeg police.

CTV News tried speaking with the suspect, but he didn't want to comment.

Officers said a beam of light from a laser pointer or spotlight can create a potential hazard for aircraft pilots and flight crews. Police said in 2010 more than 180 incidents were reported in Canada of pilots being struck by an intense light source.

Police said the biggest problem is how easy it is to buy a laser.

Dan Reeves, a pilot for more than 40 years, said that a few years ago some of his students were the target of a laser during a night flight, creating a very dangerous situation.

"You try to determine where the light came from, which is difficult because if it hits you in the eye you could be blinded temporarily or more severely," said Reeves.

Police said they consider it a serious offence and cautioned the public not to aim bright light sources, including laser pointers, at aircrafts.

The Winnipeg Police Service's helicopter has also been outfitted with equipment to assist in finding people who aim bright light sources at aircrafts and can capture video evidence of it, said officers.

The 26-year-old male suspect has been released on a promise to appear in court and will be facing a number of charges, said police. Those could include assault with a weapon, criminal negligence causing bodily harm and obstructing a peace officer, among other charges.

If convicted, penalties can range as high as $100,000, or up to five years in jail.

- with a report from CTV's Nancy Carlson