The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office released video footage on Friday showing the aftermath of an Albuquerque woman pointing a laser at its helicopter pilot during a routine patrol in late August, momentarily blinding them and highlighting the dangers of laser strikes on aircraft.

"It was a blue laser," the pilots said, describing the moment when the laser hit them directly in the eyes. The laser was powerful enough to reach the stars from the ground, BCSO Public Information Officer Jayme Gonzales told KOAT.

The pilots managed to locate the car from which the laser was pointed. BCSO deputies found it shortly after, body cam video shows.

Laney McDonald, 25, was charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer. She apologized to the officers, saying, "Sorry, I was playing with the las

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