Laser Pointer Complaints Decline in Maryland Town

Police say a ban on the sale and possession of laser pointers in Ocean City, Md., has led to a significant decline in incidents and complaints.

The Town Council passed the ban May 19 after receiving hundreds of complaints in recent years.

Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro tells The Daily Times police had received 975 calls for laser pointer abuse in the past three years. But since the ban was passed, police say there have been no incidents or arrests for laser pointer abuse.

In 2010, Maryland State Police threatened to curtail medevac service to Ocean City unless something was done about the rampant abuse of laser pointers. The lasers were being directed at public safety helicopters, as well as with boardwalk tram operators and city bus drivers.