Essex Police officers issued "strong words of advice" to person caught shining a "powerful torch" at its helicopter during an operation.
The torch was shone at the helicopter while it searched for suspects fleeing from police in Great Dunmow on New Year's Day at around 11.40pm.
Officers tried to stop a blue Renault Clio that had been speeding and the driver left the car and was arrest by officers.
While on the hunt the Boreham-based helicopter was tracking the suspect it was "repeatedly targeted by a powerful torch" shone from the ground by someone walking a dog.
The person responsible was found and "given very strong words of advice regarding actions and the potential seriousness and consequences of the offence".
It was a busy night for the police helicopter as it also dealt with two other incidents in the early hours of the morning.
At 3.20am the helicopter was called to South Woodham Ferrers to search the estuary after reports a distress flare was fired into the air.
The area was cleared with the help of the South Woodham Coastguard.
The police helicopter was also called to Aubrey Close, Chelmsford, three hours earlier.
Unemployed Reece Pridmore, of Elwood, Harlow, was charged in connection with the alleged Great Dunmow offence with cannabis possession with intent to supply, failing to stop a vehicle when required to by officers, driving a vehicle without a licence an insurance.
He has been bailed to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court on Monday, January 19.
