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13-Year-Old Charged With Spotlighting Helicopter

PARKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Authorities say the pilots of a Maryland State Police helicopter were temporarily blinded by a laser pointer, and a 13-year-old boy has been charged in the incident. 

It happened Sunday about 8:30 p.m. when the helicopter, with two pilots and a flight paramedic on board, was on a training mission over Baltimore County. Troopers say the cockpit was illuminated with a bright green flash of light, which was held on the cockpit. 

The pilots recovered their night vision and were able to see where the laser beam was coming from. Troopers called Baltimore County Police and directed officers to the house where the suspect ran. 

The 13-year-old is charged with reckless endangerment and laser pointer misuse. He was released to his parents. 

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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