Ocean City Police Arrest One in Vehicle Break-ins
Ocean City, MD- (August 4, 2022): The Ocean City Police Department is continuing to investigate multiple vehicle break-ins in the downtown area. On August 3, 2022, the Ocean City Police Department arrested Susan Elizabeth Channell, 50, Keller, Texas in connection to these vehicle break-ins.
Ocean City Police officers responded to a downtown condominium on Dorchester Street in reference to a theft from a vehicle on August 2, 2022. The victim reported to officers that someone accessed his unlocked vehicle between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. and stole several personal items. Officers responded to the same condominium on August 3, 2022, for additional thefts from vehicles. Two additional victims came forward to report that several items were stolen from their vehicles which were left unlocked. All of the vehicles were parked inside the condominium’s locked and gated parking garage.
During the investigation, officers learned that the parking garage is only accessible to residents that possess a key code that is changed frequently. Officers were able to view surveillance footage of the garage and condominium. Officers observed a female later identified as Channell utilizing the elevator during the timeframe of the theft and observed Channell carrying items that matched the description of the stolen items. Officers were able to determine which condo Channell was staying in.
On August 3, 2022, a search and seizure warrant was granted by a Maryland District Court Judge. During the search, numerous stolen items were recovered. Channell was arrested and charged with theft of $1,500 to under $25,000, two counts of theft of $100 -< $1,500, and three counts of rogue and vagabond. Channell was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was released on an unsecured personal bond of $2,500.
This is an ongoing investigation. The Ocean City Police Department would like to encourage anyone to contact us if they believe their vehicle has been broken into, even if they left their vehicle unlocked. Sometimes people do not report the break-in because they may believe they are at fault. By contacting the Ocean City Police Department, we can get an accurate account of incidents occurring in Ocean City and if possible recover the stolen property.
The Ocean City Police Department is prepared and proactively handling criminal violations and citizen complaints of illegal activity to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. We want to remind citizens that if they see something suspicious, or have concerns about possible criminal activity occurring in Ocean City, reach out to us. We encourage you to call our Tip Line at 410-520-5136, email us at [email protected] or contact the Police Department directly at 410-723-6610.
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