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Man Arrested For Shooting Speed Camera Van With BB Gun

ELLICOTT CITY. Md. (WJZ) -- Howard County police have arrested a 20-year-old man for shooting a speed camera van with a BB gun and endangering the operator inside.

It's the fourth arrest for destruction of a speed camera or speed van in three years, when the program initially launched.

"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."

Abraham Naveed Quraishi, of 2708 Water Wheel Court in Ellicott City, was charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

The operator -- a civilian employee of the police department -- was in the van parked near Hollified Station Elementary on Rogers Avenue at Patapsco Valley Drive, when the van was struck by an unknown object on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

The employee wasn't injured, but snapped a photo of a 2008 Toyota Corolla that was passing at the time.

The van was struck by a BB gun.

The suspect's vehicle was located at Quraishi's residence.  A warrant was issued for his arrest in connection the vandalism of the van.

Quraishi was arrest Jan. 7 after he turned himself into police. He posted the $5,000 bond and was released.

The Corolla was cited for speed and red light camera violations.

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