Ocean City Police/Fire Marshal Arrest Man for Destructive Device

OCEAN CITY, MD – On June 10, 2020, the Ocean City Fire Department was dispatched to the Homestead Apartments, 106 14th Street, for a reported explosion and possible building fire. Upon the fire department’s arrival, multiple occupants of the two-story, apartment building were evacuating. Fire officials determined that an aerial shell firework had been lit and exploded in an enclosed second floor stairwell, endangering the approximately 24 people occupying the two dwelling units served by the stairwell. Fire damage was limited to a small area of the stairwell and occupants were able to later return to their units. No injuries were reported.

Through a joint investigation by fire investigators and OCPD detectives, Jamie Carl Bouma, Jr., 21, of Sykesville, MD arrested and charged with possession/use of a destructive device, two counts of reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property less than $1000, and discharging fireworks without a permit. Bouma was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was released on a $25,000 bond.

“The reckless discharge of illegal fireworks inside a building or anywhere in a congested urban area like Ocean City is incredibly dangerous and puts the lives of occupants and bystanders in danger,” commented Fire Marshal Josh Bunting. “Thankfully, no injuries occurred as a result of this incident.”

Visitors and residents in Ocean City are reminded that, with very limited exceptions, all fireworks are illegal to possess and use in Ocean City. Penalties include fines of up to $1000 and possible jail time, depending on the incident.