OCPD STOPS BURGLARY IN PROGRESS THANKS TO HELP FROM CITIZEN

Once again, the partnership between the Ocean City Police Department and the residents of the community was demonstrated when a citizen called the police while witnessing a burglary at a
neighbor’s residence. On Thursday, January 14, 2010, a citizen advised police that he witnessed three men attempting to break into a house located on the opposite side of the canal from his residence.

As Ocean City Police arrived in the area of incident, they witnessed three men coming from the back porch of a house on Peach Tree Road. After a brief foot pursuit, all three men were apprehended by police, with assistance from an OCPD K-9. The suspects were identified
as James Anthony Haynes, 24, of Willards, Maryland, Frank Allen Dowling, 24, of Pittsville, Maryland and Stephen Marcus Brinson, 28, of Parsonsburg, Maryland. Haynes, Dowling and Brinson were charged with First Degree Burglary, Third Degree Burglary, Fourth Degree Burglary, Theft under $10, 000 and Malicious Destruction of Property. In addition, Brinson was charged with Possession of CDS. Haynes, Dowling and Brinson were seen by a District Court Commissioner, held on $250,000 bond and transferred to Worcester County Jail. The stolen items, which had a value of approximately $2,000, were recovered by police.

The Ocean City Police Department once again expresses it’s gratitude for the partnership with the Ocean City community. The diligent efforts of the residents and the willingness to get involved demonstrates the type of community policing that has continued to create a safe and
enjoyable place for both residents and visitors of Ocean City. The Ocean City Police Department continues to encourage citizens to follow their hunches and call the police if something does not feel or seem right.