Report: Man aims high-powered laser at ferry captain's eyes, damages retina

MUKILTEO, Wash. -- Officials say a ferry captain was injured after a man aimed a high-powered laser into the captain's eyes.

The Daily Herald reports a man in his mid-20s aimed the laser while on a ferry to Mukilteo on the morning of Oct. 22. He reportedly pointed the laser at captains on a passing ferry.

Sgt. Christina Martin with the Washington State Patrol says the laser manufacturer claims the laser is powerful enough to light a match if held on target and that it shouldn't be pointed at faces.

One of two captains that had the laser shined at them reportedly suffered a damaged retina and a third-degree burn to his eyelid.

The man told police he was just shining his new toy into the water. He could face criminal charges.