Police in several jurisdictions around Maryland are warning residents not to point laser pointers at helicopters, saying their pilots are getting blinded as they track criminals and patrol from the area. There has been numerous such attacks on aircraft this summer at Ocean City and in the Baltimore area.
Baltimore County police recently arrested two men from Essex in separate pointing incidents in Essex -- in one case the pilot of police helicopter was able to turn and shine a spotlight on a house were a resident was playing with a pointer from his front porch.
Earlier today, police held a news conference at Martin State Airport in Middle River to call attention to the problem. Representatives from Maryland State Police were joined by pilots from Baltimore City, Baltimore County, the U.S. Park Police and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The laser pointers, which can be bought for around $65 at office supply stores and in shops along the Boardwalk in Ocean City, have become popular play-things for youths and young adults. But police warn that shining the pointers -- particularly the green ones, which are more powerful than the red -- can blind pilots for up to 30 seconds.
"It's not fun and games," said Maryland State Police Lt. Walter A. Kerr of the aviation unit (at the podium above). "It could be potentially lethal."
Police helicopters are particularly vulnerable because they fly low -- at 500 to 1,500 feet -- and circle, and Kerr said people "have fun playing with us. Our helicopters are primary targets."
Baltimore County Sgt. Ron Wines, who has flown police helicopters since 1984, said he has been "lasered" two times, once just a few months ago while chasing an armed robbery suspect in the western part of the county. He said he was temporarily blinded and had to delay his response.
"It's very disorienting," Wines said. "Our flight crews are defenseless."