A 31-year-old man could face up to five years in prison after allegedly pointing a laser at a Michigan State Police helicopter.

The incident reportedly occurred in Flint, in the US State of Michigan on 17th March.

The Trooper 3 helicopter was flying over the city when the laser was aimed at the aircraft, prompting the crew to trace the source to a residence on Nelson Street.

Ground troopers responded and arrested the suspect on a felony charge of pointing a laser at an aircraft.

The man’s identity has not been released as he awaits arraignment.

This incident follows a similar case in Flint last summer, when a 59-year-old man was arrested for directing lasers at the same helicopter.

Michigan State Police emphasise that aiming lasers at aircraft is dangerous, as it can temporarily blind the flight crew and potentially cause a crash.