Howard County police are searching for a person who fired a pellet or BB gun at a speed camera van Monday in Ellicott City, damaging the rear windshield.
Around 3:45 p.m. May 18, as the van was parked in the 5000 block of Ilchester Road, near Landing Road, the rear glass was broken by an object, police said. An employee was working inside the van at the time. Investigators believe it may have been fired from a Jeep.
According to police, there have been four people arrested and charged for destruction of a speed van or speed camera equipment since the program's launch in Howard County a few years ago.
"We want people to know that we take these cases very seriously and will file criminal charges," said Police Chief Gary Gardner. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about the speed camera program, but we cannot overlook the significant damage to equipment and potential injury to our van operators."
In December 2014, police charged a person with destruction of property and assault for striking a van window with a pellet from a BB gun on Rogers Avenue near Hollifield Elementary School. In May 2014, police charged another person with destruction of property and arson for setting fire to a speed camera cabinet on Burntwoods Road near Glenelg High School.
A person was also charged with destruction of property after a van mirror was shattered by an object on Ilchester Road near Ilchester Elementary School in March 2013, police said. In June 2012, a person was charged with destruction of property and reckless endangerment for damaging a van using a slingshot on Frederick Road near Manor Woods Elementary School.
In all cases, the individuals were found guilty. Police said some were required to pay fines or restitution up to $15,000 and serve time in jail.
Anyone with information about Monday's incident should call police at 410-313-3200.