Citizens Observations Leads To Arrest Of A Wanted Fugitive

On March 10, 2013, at approximately 12:28 a.m. Ocean City Police received a call

Matthew Jacob Bullen

in reference to a suspicious person being spotted in the area of Teal Drive. The caller, who was identified as Maryland State Senator James Mathias, advised that he observed a male subject acting suspiciously and remained on the phone observing the location of the suspicious person until police arrived.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect in an alleyway off Teal Drive. The suspect was identified as Matthew Jacob Bullen, 21, of Pasadena, Maryland. While speaking to Bullen, officers noticed a woman’s bracelet with sales tag still attached fall from Bullen’s pocket. Officers also determined that Bullen had an active arrest warrant in Anne Arundel County, MD, for prescription drug fraud and other charges.

Further investigation revealed that three vehicles in the area had been broken into and that Bullen was in possession of items taken from those vehicles. Bullen was arrested and charged by the Ocean City Police with theft under $100, theft under $1,000 and willful motor vehicle tampering without owner’s consent.

Bullen was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and held on $5000 bond regarding the Ocean City charges, and $10,000 bond for the outstanding Ann Arundel County warrant. He was then transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

“This is a classic example of how police and the community can work together to solve and deter crime in our neighborhoods,” said Acting Police Chief Michael Colbert. “The Ocean City Police Department continues to encourage citizens to practice pro-active crime prevention by calling police when they see suspicious persons, or circumstances.”

Citizens are reminded to lock their vehicles when parked and to secure any valuables out of plain view. The Ocean City Police Department supports citizens being active in Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs. For more information on how you can become involved, contact the Ocean City Police Departments Public Affairs Office at 410-723-6665 or 410-520-5395 or visit us at:www.oceancitymd.gov/police.