PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia teen was convicted on Thursday of shining a laser at a Philadelphia police helicoptor in August, and was sentenced to at least 90 days probation.

Prosecutor Nicole Siller said the helicoptor pilot testified that he had suffered flash blindness when the green laser light hit the cockpit five times, about 800 feet over a residential area in Manyunk.

"He was unable to see, and due to that he was unable to what he believed was effectively or safely operate the helicoptor, so at that point he had to relinquish control of the helicoptor to his partner."

The co-pilot took over and actually helped police on the ground located and arrest the suspect. Authorities warn such lasers pose a grave risk to pilots and passengers on all aircraft, as well as people on the ground below.

Offenders can face local and federal prosecution.

Reported by KYW's Tony Hanson.

File photo