Hold the property owner responsible for the actions of his guests. Just another one of these rich pricks thinking they can do anything they want and as always nothing was really done. The cops are always so quick to say they don't need a victims consent to bring charges, but throw a scumbag lawyer into the mix and they run like cowards.

Richard, I understand, and share, your frustration over this incident. But, we shouldn't blame the Ocean City police here. It sounds like they were vigilant in investigating the incident. You're right that police don't need a victim's consent to file charges, but they do need a cooperative witness, or some other solid evidence, otherwise any charges would be quickly dismissed in court. In this case, the slingshot itself as evidence is not enough, because there seemed to be no proof of who fired it.

Everyone needs a good lawsuit.

Why do the moronic locals continue to hold this event every year when it has obviously degenerated into a drunkfest.

As with all things, people do not know moderation. We enjoy a good party during Night in Venice and it should not be cancelled because of the poor judgement of a few knuckleheads (and it has nothing to do with your income level). The young men and their parents put everyone in danger. No wonder its so difficult to find a charter for the evening! I'm thankful the victim is okay.

So, after all these years living in OC I finally learn that the rules AREN'T different for our "Summer Visitors" who own all of the great big empty houses sitting empty 9 months a year? They are bound by the same rules and laws that the, Ughhh (seagull poop) "lOCals are?!!! OMG!!!! Whom ever will tell them?

The same crap has been happening since I was a kid. I remember a capt. pulling a spear gun out when drunken idiot shoobs threw ice at his boat. The deal is when alcohol and stupidity are mixed it's a shit show. Glad I live offshore.

sad truth, Gloria - those empty houses all pay big taxes to this town. Too bad that the Realtors and Developers leveled all the old single homes and put up plastic boxes that do not appeal to the year round resident the realtors, developers, insurance agents - all made big money and still do having those empty houses - turning them over to renters and new owners ---- so it will never change now - too bad the bogus "committee to preserve OC" didn't step in then and do something but since they are a bunch of phony hypocrites themselves, never happen

I think that it would be nice if the people that used the sling shot apologized to the gentleman that was hit. That's the problem with booze people say and do things that they would never do sober. Its a shame it has to come down to lawsuits, that will result in some crappy law that is obviously common sense Don't throw things at people, We really did learn everything we need to know in kindergarten.

Louissa, I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head. I agree too The Night in Venice has always been a drunken party, but well contained. The Night in Venice is a long-standing tradition of summer fun in Ocean City. However, the incidents described in the article are unacceptable, and if left unpunished then this is the beginning of the end for The Night in Venice party.

Maybe it's about time, we reconsider our national marketing logo, OC the World's Greatest FAMILY Resort. A family that stands by while this is being set-up, watches their young adults fill large balloons with water and then launch them at a vessel filled with passengers is on the same level as a thug living in a crackhouse standing by while an innocent pedestrian gets mugged and then deny seeing, hearing or knowing anything about the mugging. Wow, way to go! and this let's your guests learn something about themselves, too. Honor, Truth or a good party.

Dr. Arluck should be held accountable. He is the property owner. I don't know what his specialty is as a doctor, but I know if he can't be a stand up guy for what happens at his house then I would never think about using him as a doctor. He's a real scumbag.

On advice of counsel, the youths advised they were defending themselves against vessels ignoring the no wake zone, creating a substantial hazard to the innocent souls trapped on the deck w/ cocktails. Hello, Coasties?? Also, that boat had a large round (bullseye?) on it. An attractive nuisance. Jimmy finds for the defense. First round is on me.

Imagine if a boat went by and shot crap at this doctors house and injured one of his family members or damaged his house. I bet he wouldn't be too happy. And I bet the boater would not have got away with it.

You might think somebody was murdered. Better call the waaaaambulance and a boatload of lawyers.

No standing.......only the injured has standing here. Unfortunate, but another frivolous law suit....unless the Capt refunded the $$$ and he is looking for compensation...then he isn't the "social activist" he purports

There's always another agenda

We've had our boat "attacked" in this same area multiple years. You can't cure stupid......and the "kids" were stupid; same stupidity was water hoses and throwing candy. The injured party deserves the recompense

No more marine unit and less NJSP/USCG are available to monitor

Given history of 17th-18th St, maybe they'll need to patrol better

Unfortunate, but law suit (particularly since Capt wasn't injured party) is another example of the courts being over burdened with garbage

Yes, what should have happened is the property owner held responsible. I am sure the police could come up with some charge if he wouldn't point out the individuals responsible. Disorderly conduct, possession. Of an instrument of crime withholding information from authorities or some sort of BS. Unless you truely believe the doctor or homeowner had a water balloon cannon operating in his back yard and didn't know who was using it.
as for those who think its no big deal, why don't you ride your bike down the steet and allow me to fire one of those things at your head. And we will see how you like it.

I think that particular homeowner IS a local.

buhbyeshoobie nailed this one! Imagine if the boat docked, and the accused came forward and admitted their actions. A simple "We're sorry, we were just goofing off!' prolly would have put this whole matter to bed!

whew...who hasn't been hit with a water balloon? Unfortunately someone got hurt...but lawsuits, all this anger, 'can't we all just be friends'?

And these weren't willing participants in a water balloon fight. You people amaze me.

I guess it's ok if kids play by throwing projectiles off overpasses. Hey, it's only in the name of fun.

Spew all the angry rhetoric you want but the bottom line is the victim chose not to press charges. It is not like the crack house example, unless you state the only reason a crack house exists is because the neighbors won't relentlessly bring charges and allow the police and the court to act. As much blame lies with the victim for not pressing charges. I am certainly no lawyer but at what point can OC police act without a filed complaint? What side are the police on in this situation? I know the OC police love to push their weight around... why not in this case?

Chris, this town is not appalled by the sight of alcohol, nor is there anyone trying to take away peoples' right to drink. The argument about alcohol in restaurants has nothing to do with people enjoying a social drink in their home. The people voted not to pass drinking in restaurants because it is part of the uniqueness and history of this town. A few drunks with water balloons hardly support a double standard.

What ever happened to personal responsibility, honesty, integrity and morals?
Bottom lines are;
Those sling shots (my kids have one) can send water balloons traveling up to 300 feet and 70ish mph according to the package and are extremely dangerous when launching something that weighs a couple of pounds. They are most assuredly potential weapons! I'd like to see any of you nay sayers out there still say its no big deal after getting hit that hard! These were not children doing this, they were Adult (?) men who have lawyers as friends/family who CHOOSE not to take responsibility for thier actions ,being hidden by a local doctor who still expects locals to trust him. I know I never will and he has treated several of my family members. How sad!

My son inadvertently got hit on the thigh by one of our launched balloons while standing on the beach about 150 feet away( we thought that was a safe distance and then some) and the deep bruise lasted almost a month and was the size of a grapefruit. It was launched by little kids so I can't imagine how much force one launched by adults would have!

I applaud the Captain for trying to protect and defend his customers/passengers as well as any future sailors who might have the misfortune of sailing near Dr. Arbucks and Pamela Stebbins house.

Here are some links ;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrUxZBi9kCk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z22Q1nC4rBo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Suzanne. Spot on comment. Couldn't agree more

Suzanne. Excellent post. Refreshing to read a rational point of view. You must live off island.

I too applaud Suzanne for an informative post. All the more reason there should be an investigation and arrest. However, according to the article, the OC police discontinued investigation, and no charges were filed. According to Chris M, the police had an eye witness, and victims do not make the call to discontinue investigations because they don't want to press charges. So again I as what is up with the police? Why are the police not pursuing the case anyway?

I had a friend who had their 6yr old and 8yr old sons fined for playing in the dunes. In a America's Greatest FAMILY Resort you would think the police would use a liitle fear tactics and send them on their way. This is the double standards about OC that people hate. A bunch of rich adult drunks injuire someone and the police turn the other way but a child at play gets fined.

Absolutely, Chris!! So let's give one of the highest paid police forces in the country another raise for their favoritism and double standards! By the way, before the police lovers attack me for making false statements about pay, I figure the cops only really work three months a year, and make over a hundred grand with an enviable retirement package that rivals the old days of the auto workers. Accepting that premise what police force makes more and does less? If at least they protected and served ALL the people, maybe the outrageous pay could be justified.

Apparently this guy is a big heart doc in Somers Point. He doesn't seem to have any heart or common sense. What is he teaching these adults that were on his property? Grow a set and man up. Show your family that you are a man with manners and morals.