UPDATED: OCPD Response to July 4th Weekend Incidents

July 7, 2025/Mari Lou

UPDATED – 07/07/25 – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) significantly increased its presence in the Town of Ocean City over the July 4th holiday weekend in response to large beach gatherings and shifting crowd dynamics.

Increased Presence in Northern Ocean City

On the evening of July 3, the OCPD received multiple calls regarding large groups of individuals congregating on the beach and surrounding properties between 120th and 125th Streets. Officers, including our Mounted Unit and ATV patrols, worked proactively to address concerns from residents, businesses, and condominium properties. As in previous years, we observed a generational shift away from traditional Boardwalk activities towards beach gatherings and bonfires. Officers maintained a high-visibility presence in both beach and residential areas, including proactive saturation of ocean block communities such as Assawoman Drive to deter spillover gatherings.

Strategic Enforcement and Public Safety Over the Holiday

Throughout the holiday weekend, the Ocean City Police Department was fully staffed, with officers, Public Safety Aides, and command personnel assigned to key locations across town. The Maryland State Highway Administration also provided support through grant-funded traffic safety details. Officers focused on impaired driving enforcement, bicycle and e-scooter regulation, and pedestrian safety initiatives.

Additionally, OCPD deployed specialized enforcement along the beachfront, with ATV officers patrolling heavily populated areas. The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in monitoring bonfire permits and addressing illegal fireworks activity.

“Our officers and allied agency partners worked around the clock to keep Ocean City safe during this hectic holiday weekend,” said Chief Raymond Austin. “While we did respond to several serious incidents, the quick action of our officers, the support of our regional partners, and the vigilance of our community helped us manage these isolated incidents safely and efficiently. We remain committed to maintaining a strong, visible presence throughout the rest of the summer season.”

Notable Incidents from July 4–5

  • Robbery and Assault (12th St. & Philadelphia Ave)  

At approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 4, an altercation between two groups escalated, resulting in one juvenile displaying a handgun at another individual, a second juvenile being assaulted and robbed, and a third individual being threatened with a knife. OCPD is continuing to investigate this incident.

  • Multiple Handgun Arrests
    • July 4, 9:32 p.m. (3rd St.): A 16-year-old male was arrested after being found in possession of a loaded handgun.
    • July 4, 10:21 p.m. (1st St.): A 17-year-old male was stopped and arrested with a concealed, loaded handgun.
    • July 5, 2:26 a.m. (32nd St.): A 16-year-old male was arrested after officers observed a firearm in his waistband.

 

  • Strong-Arm Robberies and Assault Reports
    • July 5, 3:21 a.m.: A 21-year-old male reported being assaulted and robbed between 9th and 11th Streets. OCPD is continuing to investigate this incident.
    • July 5: TidalHealth authorities notified OCPD that four individuals were treated for assaults linked to gatherings on the beach near 75th Street and at a nearby hotel. Two were uncooperative; the other two are expected to file reports.

 

  • Motor Vehicle Collision – Pedestrian Struck

At 12:25 a.m. on July 5, a pedestrian was struck by a northbound vehicle on Coastal Highway at 65th Street. The victim was flown to TidalHealth with injuries. The driver remained on scene, and OCPD’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the cause of the collision.

  • Nonfatal Shooting – 28th Street

At approximately 1:04 a.m. on July 5, officers responded to reports of gunshots near 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. A 22-year-old male from Cambridge, MD, was located with a gunshot wound to the arm. The victim is expected to recover but has been uncooperative with the investigation. OCPD’s Major Crimes Unit is actively pursuing leads.

  • Rumor Control – Fireworks Misinterpreted as Gunshots

During the South End fireworks display, OCPD determined that a group of individuals was discharging fireworks into a crowd on the Boardwalk. Some community members mistakenly believed gunshots were fired. We can confirm:

  • There were no firearm-related injuries in this incident.
  • Fireworks caused the loud noises.
  • There is no ongoing threat to the public related to this event.

We appreciate the community’s vigilance and remind all residents and visitors: If you see something, say something.

  • Ongoing Response and Community Support

 In addition to the full complement of OCPD officers, we were grateful for the immediate support of our allied law enforcement partners, including the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, the Berlin Police Department, the Ocean Pines Police Department, and the Pocomoke Police Department. Their presence and professionalism allowed us to respond effectively and maintain public safety throughout the town.

We would also like to recognize the vital contributions of:

  • Our 911 dispatchers from Ocean City, Worcester County, and the Maryland State Police served as the calm and coordinating voice behind the scenes.
  • Ocean City Fire and EMS, whose rapid response and expert medical care made a critical difference in several incidents this weekend. Their tireless work and close coordination with our officers helped ensure timely care and transport for those in need.
  • Town of Ocean City Public Works, whose round-the-clock efforts ensured our beach and streets remained clean and accessible for all.

As we continue through the busy summer season, the Ocean City Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement, community partnership, and keeping Ocean City safe for residents and visitors alike.

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UPDATED  07/06/25 – During the July 4th fireworks in downtown Ocean City someone set off fireworks into the crowd on the Boardwalk in the area of 4th Street. Many thought it was gunshots and people began running from the area. Police say an arrest has been made in this incident and there was no gunfire.

In the area between 27th and 33rd Streets massive crowds swarmed on the roads when just before 1am shots were fired and an 18 year old Cambridge man was struck in the arm at 28th Street and Coastal Highway. The man was treated by Ocean City EMS and taken to Tidal Health with non-life threatening injuries, but is being uncooperative with the investigation.

Ocean City Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective First Class A. Gutowski at agutowski@oceancitymd.gov or 410-723-6610. You can also provide anonymous tips by calling 410-520-5136 or submitting them via https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/police/crime-tips. Please reference case number 2025-00-2374.

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ORIGINAL STORY – 07/05/25 – Ocean City Police were kept busy Friday night. During the fireworks display downtown, police reported on their Facebook page that people began running when witnesses reported shots fired. However police say that someone discharged fireworks into a crowd on the Boardwalk in the area of 4th Street. There were no firearm-related injuries involved, however police did make an arrest in this incident.

Police also reported a non-fatal shooting in the area of 28th Street and Coastal Highway either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Traffic on Coastal Highway was detoured onto Baltimore Avenue while police investigated. Coastal Highway was reopened just before 3am. No additional information has been released.

 

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