PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON COASTAL HIGHWAY

On April 7, 2012, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Ocean City police responded to the area of 81st Street and Coastal Highway for a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a 47-year-old man from Lititz, PA, was attempting to cross Coastal Highway from east to west, when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.

The pedestrian, who was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision, was taken by Maryland State Police helicopter to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle, who police learned was driving with a suspended and revoked license, was identified as John Edward Cropper, 47, of Ocean City.

Cropper was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle on a revoked license. He was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and released on his own personal recognizance. Currently no charges have been filed against the pedestrian; however, the investigation is on-going.

The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to use marked crosswalks while crossing the street. Pedestrians should not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights. In addition, pedestrians are encouraged to make eye contact with drivers and continue to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Motorists should also be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping constantly aware of pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.