ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – A Maryland lawmaker has apologized for using a police boat and helicopter to create a diversion so he could surprise his girlfriend with a marriage proposal.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld told reporters Tuesday that Delegate Jon Cardin also offered to pay expenses from the incident.

The department is investigating.

Cardin, a Democrat who represents Baltimore County, said on his Web site that he had marine police do a search on the boat he and was girlfriend were on. He says he popped the question during the “fuss” Aug. 7 in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

The department’s helicopter also came close to the scene.

Cardin says he asked his best friend to help him plan the proposal.