OCPD Arrest Two Reading Pennsylvania Men In Connection With Early Morning Shooting

Elvin Jovany Mendez-Espada

On June 29, 2013, at approximately 2:15 a.m. Ocean City Police officers were in the area of 18^th Street and Coastal Highway when they heard what appeared to be gunshots coming from the area of 1801 Coastal Highway near Kingfish Road. Officers responded to the area and located a male subject, whose name is not being released, who appeared to be the victim of a gunshot wound.

The investigation revealed that at approximately 2:10 a.m. two males were in the pool at the Islander Motel, 2001 North Philadelphia Avenue, adjacent to the sidewalk, when another group of people walking by on the street engaged in a verbal exchange with the group in the pool. The verbal exchange escalated when the group in the pool confronted the group on the street and an altercation occurred. During the altercation a male suspect, later identified as Elvin Jovany Mendez-Espada, 21 of Reading, PA, produced a handgun and shot two victims.

Carwin Duarte

After further investigation, police discovered the second victim, who had been shot through his clothing, but was not injured. The injured victim was treated at the scene by Ocean City EMS and transported by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

Police immediately began a search of the area for the suspects. Officers initially located one suspect, who was identified as Carwin Duarte, 19, of Reading, PA, near the shooting scene on Dolphin Lane. Officers then spotted Mendez-Espada hiding in shrubs in the near-by Marlin Drive area. He was later located in the water under a boat dock at a private residence on Marlin Drive. He was taken into custody without further incident.

The OCPD is still investigating the incident. OCPD Forensic Services Unit and the Ocean City Dive Team are also assisting with the recovery of evidence. Police have charged Mendez-Espada with two counts of first degree assault, two counts of first degree attempted murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime. Duarte has been charged with second degree assault, disorderly conduct and affray. At the time of this release, Mendez-Espada and Daurte are in custody at the Ocean City Police Department awaiting an initial appearance in front of the Maryland District Court Commissioner.