Flight mechanic Joe Wagner was on the helicopter Tuesday night during a rescue exercise near Ocean City.
He was by the door, as the pilot flew 35 feet above the water.
The laser beam suddenly refracted through the windshield.
It was coming from the boardwalk.
"Saw a green light, very bright, strong light came out, glanced off me...we were able to report it through a boat and had the Ocean City police respond," Wagner said.
21-year-old Eric Bouda of Mantua, New Jersey was charged with interference with transportation.
He was released on a summons.
