OCPD CONTINUING TO MAKE COASTAL HIGHWAY SAFER THROUGH ENFORCEMENT

(April 24, 2014) – The Ocean City Police Department has recently expanded its use of speed measurement devices as part of the department’s mission to reduce traffic collisions. Many officers attended a training session on Thursday, April 17, 2014, where they earned certification in the use this new device, known as LIDAR, which uses lasers and reflected light to measure speed. Officer Joseph Laughlin was among one the officers certified and used his training almost immediately.

On April 20, 2014, at approximately 2 a.m. Ofc. Laughlin was on patrol in the area of 30^thStreet and Coastal Highway when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Using LIDAR technology, he determined that the vehicle was traveling faster than the posted speed limit. Ofc. Laughlin stopped the vehicle and smelled marijuana coming from inside. During a search of the vehicle, officers located marijuana and a stun gun. A passenger in the vehicle, later identified as Khiry Jamal Lane, 24, of Hyattsville, MD, was later arrested and charged with possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and possession of an electronic weapon.

“The Ocean City Police Department is committed to improving the safety of our roadways,” commented Lieutenant Scott Harner, commander of the OCPD Traffic Safety Unit. “Speeding is a choice over which every driver has complete control.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost one-third of all traffic accidents are caused by drivers disregarding the speed limit.  The Maryland State Highway Administration has recently reduced the speed limit on Coastal Highway to 35 MPH from 62^ndStreet to 36^th Street. Citizens of Ocean City are reminded to follow the posted speed limit while traveling and stay alert for other drivers.