OCEAN CITY BEACH PATROL DESCRIPTION HELPS CATCH THEFT SUSPECT

On August 1, 2012 at 4:46 p.m., Ocean City police officers responded for an eviction at the Islander Motel, 2001 North Philadelphia Avenue. While at the scene of the eviction, officers monitored a call for service from the Ocean City Beach Patrol who were looking for a suspect in a reported theft of money from a beach stand vendor at 19th Street and the beach.

OC Beach Patrol officers provided a description of a container, which was described as a tool or tackle box that contained money, as well as a description of three white male suspects. One of the officers, who had been assisting at the eviction scene, was dispatched to the theft call at 19th Street and the beach. While enroute to the theft scene, the officer observed a group of subjects matching the description of the persons believed to be involved in the crime to be carrying a tackle box covered by a towel.

The officer saw three males walking toward the scene of the Islander Motel. He asked them if he could see the box and then he subsequently determined that it was the stolen tackle box. The male in possession of the stolen box was identified as Shane David Trump, 20, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

The victim arrived on scene at the Islander Motel and positively identified the stolen item. An inventory of the stolen box revealed a large quantity of cash (not disclosing the exact amount) as well as the victim’s cell phone. Note: the suspects involved in this theft were part of the group being evicted from their motel room.

The police investigation revealed that only Trump was the actual suspect. Police placed Trump under arrest. Trump was charged with felony theft. Trump was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released on his own recognizance.