Arrest with weapon renounces minor status to adult status –

ArmedArrest of a minor renounces adult status

Ocean City, MD- (June 7, 2024): On June 5, 2024, at approximately 9:23 p.m., Ocean City Police officers were dispatched to a motel near 20^th Street for weapons violation. The complainant informed Ocean City Communications dispatchers that a man had pointed a handgun at him in a motel room. The complainant was able to provide a brief description of the vehicle in which the man had left his vehicle. A 17-year-old male was later identified and arrested for weapons violations.

When police arrived at the motel, they encountered two victims. Police learned that the victims knew the suspect and were able to identify him. The victim, a man, informed police that a verbal argument had taken place in the motel room between the victim, a woman, and the suspect. The suspect briefly left the motel room before returning a few minutes later with the victim's permission. The suspect pulled out a revolver-style handgun and threatened the two victims. The suspect was able to calm him down and get him to leave the room. Once the suspect left the room, the two victims locked themselves inside and called 911. The suspect continued to threaten the suspects and knock on the door before leaving.

Subsequently, an officer located the suspect vehicle traveling south without headlights near Dolphin Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle. The juvenile driver was identified by officers on scene and learned to be the same suspect in the assault at the motel. Officers found a loaded pellet gun inside the vehicle as well as a fixed blade knife. The pellet gun matched the description given by the victims to the police. Officers noted that the pellet gun looked like a real revolver handgun and that there were no orange safety markings to clearly identify it as a replica handgun. Officers also said the suspect appeared to be intoxicated.

In the state of Maryland, a juvenile may be renounced to adult status (charged as an adult) if charged with specific crimes such as first-degree assault and handgun charges, while meeting the age requirements. The following arrest was made in this case:

• Juvenile, 17, Stevensville, Maryland: First-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, concealed deadly weapon, carrying replica firearms, carrying, concealment and several traffic citations, including driving under the influence. The minor was renounced to adult status and charged accordingly. The juvenile was seen by a Maryland District Court commissioner and held without bail. The juvenile was transported to the Worcester County Jail.

The Ocean City Police Department is prepared and proactively handles criminal violations and citizen complaints regarding illegal activities to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. We want to remind citizens that if they see anything suspicious or have concerns about possible criminal activity occurring in Ocean City, contact us. We encourage you to call our advice line at 410-520-5136, email us at [email protected] or contact the police department directly at 410-723-6610.

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Editor's note: Juvenile photo is not available at this time.