Any laser pointer can blind or do serious damage to eyes if shined into them. If you ever look at the packaging, it has warnings to that effect all over it. A laser is a highly concentrated light which can travel far distances until it hits something in its path. That's why it is also a FEDERAL offense to shine a laser at an aircraft. Don't suppose it would have been that funny if it did disrupt the pilot to the point that he was unable to accomplish his mission or worse yet, crashed the helicopter. You are right by saying that guy was stupid, though.