Weapons Arrest Waives Juvenile to 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 20th Street for a weapons violation. The complainant informed the Ocean City Communications dispatchers that a male had pointed a handgun at him in a motel room. The complainant was able to provide a brief description of the vehicle the male left in. A seventeen-year-old male was later identified and arrested for the weapons violation.
When officers arrived at the motel, they met with two victims. Officers learned that the victims knew the suspect and were able to identify him. The male victim informed officers that a verbal argument occurred in the motel room between the female victim and the suspect. The suspect briefly left the motel room before returning a few minutes later with the permission of the female victim. The suspect pulled out a revolver-style handgun and threatened both victims. The male suspect was able to calm the suspect down and got him to leave the room. Once the suspect exited the room, both victims locked themselves inside and contacted 911. The suspect continued to threaten the suspects and bang on the door before leaving.
Subsequently, an officer located the suspect vehicle driving southbound without headlights on near Dolphin Street and Philadelphia Ave. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle. The juvenile driver was identified by officers on the scene, and learned that it was the same suspect from the assault at the motel. Officers located a loaded pellet gun inside the vehicle along with a fixed-blade knife. The pellet gun matched the description the victims gave officers. Officers noted that the pellet gun resembled a real revolver handgun, and there were no orange safety markings to identify it as a replica handgun clearly. Officers also stated that the suspect appeared to be intoxicated.
In the State of Maryland, a juvenile can be waived to adult status (charged as an adult) if they are being accused of specific crimes such as first-degree assault and handgun charges while also meeting the age requirements. The following arrest was made in this case:
- Juvenile, 17, Stevensville, MD: First-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, concealed deadly weapon, gun replica-wear, carry, conceal, and multiple traffic citations including driving under the influence. The juvenile was waived to adult status and charged accordingly. The juvenile was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held without bond. The juvenile has been transferred to the Worcester County Jail.
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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Editor’s Note: The juvenile mugshot is not available at this time.