Ocean City Police Department Press Releases

OCPD and OC BOMB SQUAD LOCATE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

On July 9, 2009, at approximately 8:20 P.M., Ocean City Police responded to the area of 717 Rusty Anchor Road, in reference to people throwing explosives in milk cartons. While at the scene, offices observed the grass and asphalt in front of unit #4 that had been charred and the remains of aluminum foil that was spread out over a wide area. Based on the evidence at the scene, police suspected that an improvised explosive device had been detonated in this area.

While at the scene, Police located two suspects identified as; Jesse Paul Armstrong, 18- years-old as well as a 17-year-old juvenile male, both of Woodland, Pennsylvania. The suspects were staying in unit #4 of 717 Rusty Anchor Road. Officers entered the unit and located items and materials which had been used to
construct several self igniting improvised explosive devices. Members of the Ocean City Bomb Squad responded to the scene and rendered all the materials and
partially constructed devices safe. All of these items were seized as evidence and removed from the property.

Both the 17– year-old juvenile and Armstrong were arrested and charged with:
• Maryland Annotated Code: Manufacture and/or Possession of Destructive Device - (Felony)
• Maryland Annotated Code: Disorderly conduct - (Misdemeanor)
Armstrong was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released after posting a $2500 bond.

The 17-year-old juvenile was released to the custody of his parents.

The OCPD is advising citizens that manufacturing any type of explosive device is illegal and will lead to the arrest of those persons responsible for its manufacturing and use. This type of activity is extremely dangerous and almost often leads to injuries and death. The Ocean City Bomb Squad advised citizens to not handle any suspicious items whether the item appears to be “home made” or commercially manufactured. These items are unstable and if mishandled could accidentally detonate resulting in serious injury or death.

The OCPD and OC Bomb Squad remind citizens to not handle suspicious devices, back away and immediately contact the police at: 410-723-6600 or call 911.

PLAIN CLOTHES OFFICERS ARREST LEADS TO STOLEN CAR AND STOLEN PROPERTY

On Tuesday, July 7, 2009, Ocean City Police Plain Clothes Officers were in the area of 12th Street and Baltimore Avenue when they noticed two suspicious males trying to
open door handles of vehicles. As officers approached the men, they witnessed one
of the men begin to urinate on the public street behind a parked vehicle. Officers
stopped the suspects, who were later identified as John Albert Saffran, 18, and Richard William Delauder, 25, both of Baltimore Maryland.

While writing Saffran a civil citation for public urination, officers began to search the area behind the vehicle at which Saffran was standing. Officers located several items on the ground near the driver’s and passenger car doors. The items included several CD Holders and Ipod chargers. After checking the area, officers were able to determine that the items came from a vehicle that was parked close to where Saffran and Delauder had previously been observed.

As officers placed Saffran and Delauder under arrest, Saffran explained to officers that he had “found” a set of keys on the ground. Officers located the vehicle that
belonged to the keys and determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen from
Ann Arundel County on July 6, 2009. Officers continued their investigation which has resulted in Saffran and Delauder being charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, multiple counts of Theft, and multiple counts of Rouge and Vagabond.

Saffran was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released
after posting a $25,000 bond. Delauder was also seen by the Ocean City District Court
Commissioner and was held on $25,000 bond. Delauder was transferred to the
Worcester County Jail.