OCPD Press Release 6-11-13

Washington DC Man Stabbed During Boardwalk Fight

On June 9, at approximately 3:35 a.m., Ocean City police and paramedics responded to 2100 Baltimore Avenue, The Stowaway Grand Hotel, in reference to a stabbing which had just occurred.  Officers located the victim, who was identified as a 22-year-old male from Washington, DC, in the lobby of the hotel. The victim, whose name is not being released, wasbleeding from numerous stab wounds.  

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had been engaged in a fight on the boardwalk in front of the Stowaway Grand Hotel.  According to witnesses, approximately 30 persons were involved in the fight, at which time the victim was repeated stabbed and thenhelped into the lobby of the hotel by unidentified citizens.

The victim was treated at the scene by Ocean City EMS and transported to Peninsula Region Medical Center for further treatment. At the time of this release the victim is reported to be in stable condition.

OCPD Forensic Services Unit personnel processed the crime scene for evidence and detectives are continuing to investigate this incident.  Ocean City Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the OCPD Criminal Investigation Divisions, Detective David Whitmer at 410-530-5390.

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Handgun Recovered During Drug Arrest

Loomis Boakai Zayzay

On June 8, 2013, at approximately 10:30 p.m. the Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit and Worcester County Sherriff’s Criminal Enforcement Team were preforming undercover drug enforcement operations on the Boardwalk. During their enforcement initiative, Loomis Boakai Zayzay, 19, of Laurel, MD, sold detectives marijuana.

Zayzay who was placed under arrest for possession and distribution of marijuana, was also in possession of a semi-automatic handgun, which police recovered from Zayzay’s backpack. During the investigation, Police also discovered that the handgun was reported stolen out of Clayton County, Georgia.  

Zayzay was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, possession of a handgun, theft of less than $1,000, possession of marijuana, and manufacturing and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.  

Zayzay has seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held without bond.  Zayzay was transferred to Worcester County Jail. 

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Disorderly Man Taken into Custody Causes Large Crowd

Joseph Tyrice Cromartie

On June 9, 2013, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Ocean City police were on uniformed bicycle patrol near 5th Street and the Boardwalk when officers observed two males pushing and arguing with one another causing a very large crowd to gather. Officers attempted to separate the two males; however, one of the suspects, who was later identified as Joseph Tyrice Cromartie, 20, of Clinton, MD, became combative and assaulted the officers. One of the officers used his Electronic Control Device (Taser) to subdue Cromartie, who was eventually arrested. 

By that time, the large crowd which had gathered at the scene began acting in a disorderly, aggressive manner, taunting and making threatening statements towards officers. Additional officers responded to the scene, including K-9 and mounted patrols, Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies and Maryland State Police Troopers. The crowd was quickly dispersed and order was restored to the area.

Per OCPD policy, Cromartie was transported by Ocean City EMS to Atlantic General Hospital for examination as a result of the use of the ECD/Taser device. He was shortly released to OCPD with no injuries.

Cromartie was charged by Ocean City Police with two counts of second degree assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct, failure to obey law enforcement and resisting arrest. Cromartie was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released on his own recognizance.

No officers were injured during this incident.