FOUR ARRESTED AFTER OFFICERS WITNESS DRUG TRANSACTION

On June 10, 2014 at approximately 1:05 a.m. detectives of the Ocean City Police Department Special Enforcement Unit working in a plain clothes capacity observed a drug transaction take place in the area of 8^th Street and Wilmington Lane. One suspect, later identified as John E. Hunt III, 19, of Easton, MD, approached a vehicle that was occupied by three additional suspects in an attempt to sell them marijuana. The three additional suspects were later identified as Jerron A. Collier, 20, of Princess Anne, MD; Kyle M. Dennis, 20, of Westover, MD; and Avante T. Roberts, 24, of Princess Anne, MD.

A uniformed officer quickly arrived on the scene and approached the individuals at which point the vehicle fled driving north on Wilmington Lane at a high rate of speed and Hunt fled on foot. Officers broadcasted a description of the vehicle via Ocean City Communications and the Acura was stopped shortly after at the intersection of 20^th Street and Philadelphia Avenue where Collier, Dennis and Roberts were arrested. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized marijuana and over $100 in US currency.

At approximately 2:40 a.m. OCPD Special Enforcement Unit detectives observed Hunt in the same parking lot where the initial drug transaction occured. Uniformed officers quickly responded and arrested Hunt without incident.

Ocean City Police charged Hunt with possession and distribution of marijuana. Collier and Roberts have been charged with possession of marijuana and Dennis, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and multiple traffic citations. Collier, Roberts and Hunt were seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner. Collier and Roberts were both released on their own recognizance. Hunt is currently being held at the Ocean City Public Safety Building on $5,000 bond. Dennis is awaiting his initial appearance.