Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Laser
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Aircraft
I was the Captain; Pilot Flying from ZZZ to ZZZ1 on Aircraft X. While flying the ZZZZZ3 arrival; we were given direct ZZZZZ1. While making a left turn over ZZZZZ1 from an approximate heading 180 to 150 and descending through between 14;000 ft. and 12;000 ft. MSL; a strong bright green laser was seen reflecting in the cockpit from just below the glare shield. The light seemed to flicker; then remain steady; as if someone was directly targeting us and was getting a 'lock' on the aircraft. This continued for what seemed about 10 seconds. The laser extinguished but about 5 seconds later 'reacquired' and shone for another 5 seconds. At this point the pilot windshield outer layer cracked; and the light stopped. As the light was just below the glare shield; my eyesight was not directly affect. The FO (First Officer) reported to me to not be directly affected. The laser event was reported to ATC; aircraft control was transferred to the FO; we accomplished the QRH procedures for a cracked windshield. The FO safely landed the aircraft and we uneventfully taxied to park. During the walk around inspection; chipped/burned off paint not seen on the preflight was observed in two places on the Captain side and one spot on the FO side. Airport Officials met us at the airport.
Captain reported that the aircraft was illuminated and tracked by a high powered green laser that resulted in a cracked Captain's windshield and an immediate precautionary landing at the destination airport.