Reward Offered For Swiped Turtle

Reward Offered For Swiped Turtle
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OCEAN CITY – The proprietor of the Greene Turtle on 116th Street is offering a $500 reward for the safe return of a large turtle sculpture stolen from a small courtyard along side the building early last Saturday morning.

The turtle sculpture, which was been the centerpiece of the outside garden area along Jamestown Rd. for a couple of decades, was stolen around 4:10 a.m. last Saturday. The suspects removed the turtle sculpture and placed it in the back of a pick-up truck, according to video surveillance tapes from the outside of the popular bar and restaurant. Police and bar owners are in the process of enhancing the quality of the video tapes to gain a description of the suspects and the truck, including the vehicle’s tag number.

Greene Turtle owner Steve Pappas this week said he is offering a $500 reward for the safe return of the beloved sculpture with no questions asked, provided the turtle is returned in good condition. The bar’s marquee signs included a similar message by early this week.

“We don’t want to press charges, we just want it back,” he said. “Unless they destroyed it or damaged it, we won’t ask any questions.”

Pappas said police are confident they will be able to identify suspects and develop leads once they have found the time to scour the surveillance tapes.

“You can see the people and see the truck and we should be able to get the tag number once they have the time to enhance and refine the tapes,” he said.

Cop-Biter Arrested

OCEAN CITY – An allegedly intoxicated Severna Park woman was arrested on assault charges last week after biting an OCPD officer trying to help her get home and stay home.

Shortly before 11 p.m. last Tuesday, OCPD Officer Michelle Hutton was dispatched to a reported unconscious female in a taxi at the intersection of 17th Street and St. Louis Ave. By the time the officer arrived, the woman, identified as Ashley Michelle Hubbard, 20, of Severna Park, was awake but was extremely intoxicated and unable to say where she lived.

Police made several calls to Hubbard’s family and roommates and were able to determine she lived at 1701 Baltimore Ave. Officers followed the taxi to Hubbard’s residence and helped her up the stairs as she was unable to walk on her own. Hutton then called Hubbard’s roommate and asked her to return so police could leave the intoxicated woman in her custody.

While waiting for the roommate to return, Hubbard asked police to let her go back to the bar, which police refused. She made an effort to go back down the stairs, but the officers blocked her way. Hubbard then retreated to her room, but spun around and charged at police, who had to grab her to keep her from falling down the stairs. Hutton held Hubbard, who continued to struggle before biting the officer on her upper left bicep. Hubbard bit the officer through her winter jacket and shirt, leaving a visible bruise on her arm. She was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Back Door Slasher Busted

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City woman was arrested on assault and weapons charges last weekend after allegedly slashing a man in the backside with a steak knife.

Around 4:20 p.m. last Saturday, two OCPD officers were on foot patrol in the 41st Street area when they heard loud screaming and stomping noises coming from a nearby unit. As they got closer, the officers heard more loud screaming coming from the unit. When the officers knocked on the door, a woman later identified as Cheryl Courtney Magee answered. When Magee opened the door, the officers noticed the apartment was in shambles and also noticed blood droplets on the floor in the kitchen leading to the bathroom. After seeing this, the officers asked Magee, “Is anyone else in here with you and is everyone okay?”

Magee allegedly responded, “Am I going to jail now? Because I didn’t do anything wrong.” The officers identified themselves and asked if anyone else was in the apartment to which a male voice called out, “I’m in here on the bed.”

The officer walked past Magee into the bedroom where he noticed a large amount of blood on the bed. Lying atop the bed was a man later identified as Todd Caldwell Thomas, who was bleeding from the rectal area. Thomas told police Magee had woken him up from a sound sleep by burning him with a cigarette and lighter. When Thomas awoke, he noticed Magee standing near him with a steak knife in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other.

The victim wrestled Magee off of him just before police arrived. When questioned, Magee said, “He cut his butt on a razor blade that I left in the bed. I didn’t cut him.” However, a search of the bed revealed no razor blades. The officers then examined the victim and noticed burn marks on his back consistent with his story. They also discovered a slash wound that began at his tailbone and continued across his right buttocks.

After determining there was nobody else in the apartment, police arrested Hubbard and charged her with assault with a deadly weapon. The victim was transported by police to AGH and later released. 

Fatal Accident Near Newark

NEWARK – The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle accident near Newark last week that claimed the life of a local man.

Shortly before 7 a.m. last Wednesday, a Dodge Caravan traveling north on Newark Rd. approaching Route 113 veered off the roadway, drove across a corn field, jumped across a 22-foot-wide ditch, continued across another corn field and railroad tracks before striking a tree. The driver, identified as Gregory Hudson, 41, of Newark, was transported to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office believes the victim may have suffered from a medical condition causing the crash.

Ate The Money And Ran

OCEAN CITY – A Frankford, Del. man was arrested on theft and drug charges last week after he allegedly swallowed a $100 bill he swiped from another patron in a bar.

Around 2 a.m. last Wednesday, OCPD officers on routine patrol in the 28th Street area observed a man later identified as Stephen P. Janson, 21, run out the front door of Mother’s Cantina and abruptly turn right through a pedestrian walkway in the shopping center. Janson was followed by at least two other men, who motioned to police for assistance before continuing to chase the man.

Believing a fight was about to occur, the officers drove behind the shopping center where they encountered the two men chasing Janson. The two men pointed the officers in the direction of the Dunes Manor Hotel and the officers then observed Janson running across Baltimore Ave. toward the beach.

The officers went in that direction and encountered another man, who told them he observed the suspect heading toward the beach. Janson was ultimately found hiding underneath the hotel in a parking area. In the meantime, another officer who remained at the scene at Mother’s told the first officer Janson was the suspect in a theft of a $100 bill from a female patron in the bar.

The officer chasing Janson found him crouched behind a pole in the parking area and ordered him at gunpoint to get on the ground. When Janson refused to comply with the order, the officer threatened to use pepper spray, after which Janson complied. When the officer questioned Janson about the theft, he denied any involvement and told police his accuser did not belong in the bar because she was “only 16 or 17 years old.” He could not explain, however, why he ran from the bar and resisted arrest.

Meanwhile, the other officer brought the two female witnesses to the scene and they identified Janson as the thief. They told police Janson took a $100 bill belonging to them from the bar and when they questioned him about it, he put it in his mouth and swallowed it.

A search of Janson turned up no $100 bill and it is uncertain if it turned up later. During the search, police discovered a small amount of marijuana and a glass smoking device on Janson’s person and possession charges were tacked on. He was ultimately charged with theft and malicious destruction of property for taking and then swallowing the $100 bill, along with marijuana and paraphernalia possession charges.

Incidentally, police checked the identification of the two female victims and determined they were indeed at least 21 years old and therefore allowed to be in the bar.

Motorcycle Accident Claims One

SNOW HILL – Alcohol and high speed are being called contributing factors in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident last Saturday that claimed the life of a Snow Hill man.

Around 10:15 p.m. last Saturday, Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of Paw Paw Rd. near Snow Hill in reference to a motor vehicle accident. The investigation revealed the driver, identified as Bradley Quillen, 20, of Snow Hill, was operating a Suzuki motorcycle on Paw Paw Rd. near Stagg Rd. at a speed deemed greater than reasonable.

The motorcycle failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the centerline and left the roadway, striking a ditch. Quillen was ejected from the motorcycle and killed. The investigation revealed Quillen did not have the proper class license to operate a motorcycle. Alcohol and speed appear to be contributing factors, according to police reports. The investigation is ongoing.

OCPD Seizes Large Amount Of Pot

OCEAN CITY – Two Baltimore County men were arrested on drug distribution charges this week after Ocean City police seized a significant amount of marijuana at a resort hotel room.

Around 10:30 p.m. last Sunday, OCPD officer responded to the Majestic Hotel after receiving a complaint about the strong odor of marijuana coming from one of the rooms. After approaching the room in question and smelling burning marijuana, the officers knocked on the door and confronted the guests.

The officers asked the two male guests, identified as Gary Herget, Jr., 19, of Glen Burnie, and Sean Michael Locklear, 19, of Curtis Bay, about the marijuana and they replied, “We smoked it all.” When asked if they could come in and search the room, the suspects replied, “Sure. Go ahead.”

A thorough search of the hotel room revealed nine baggies of marijuana, a digital scale and over 200 empty plastic baggies. Officers also searched Locklear’s vehicle and found nine more bags of marijuana and boxes containing over 200 empty plastic bags in the center console. The vehicle, a 2001 BMW, was seized and both men where charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia as well as possession with intent to distribute marijuana. They were taken to the Worcester County Jail and later released on $5,000 bonds.

Inmate Charged With Arson In Jail

OCEAN CITY – A Towson man being held in jail in the Ocean City Public Safety Building for other offenses had arson charges filed against him this week after he lit a fire in his cell.

Around 2:45 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City fire units were dispatched to the public safety building for a reported fire alarm activation. Firefighters arrived to find a small fire in the cell-block area had been extinguished by OCPD personnel before they arrived. Investigators from the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated in a prisoner’s cell and listed the cause of the fire as incendiary.

On Tuesday, after the completion of an investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office, an arrest warrant was sworn out for Nikolas A. Spence, 21, of Towson, who was incarcerated two days earlier on other charges including disorderly conduct, trespassing and possession of marijuana. The new warrant charged Spence with first-degree and second-degree arson, malicious destruction of property, attempt to burn property and 11 counts of reckless endangerment.

The investigation revealed Spence, who had been incarcerated earlier, had allegedly placed  toilet paper under the door of his cell and lit it on fire.

No Pretending It Didn’t Happen

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested for assaulting police officers and resisting arrest last weekend following a fight downtown after which the suspect asked police to act like the incident never happened.

Last Sunday, an OCPD officer was on routine bicycle patrol when he was dispatched to a fight in progress near the Paradise Plaza Hotel parking lot on 9th Street. The officer met with a group of witnesses, one of whom said he had been hit in the head with a bottle. Meanwhile, another officer detained a possible suspect in the incident, later identified as David Anthony Verille, 35, of Peach Bottom, Pa., who asked the officer, “Can’t we pretend this never happened?”

While the officer was questioning Verille, the suspect suddenly dashed away and ran toward the group of witnesses, who were gathered a short distance away in the area of the Admiral Motel on 8th Street. The officer questioning witnesses saw Verille charging his location shouting “[expletive deleted] this, I will straighten this out.”

The officer told Verille to stop, but he kept charging, yelling, “I’m coming.” The officer attempted to stop Verille, who shoved the officer in the chest, knocking him backward into the street. Another officer attempted to stop Verille, but he continued to charge at the officer in an aggressive manner with his arms flailing and screaming. Verille struck a second officer in the chest with his arms, shoving him backward.

Police were eventually able to take Verille down and place him in custody after applying leg sweeps and arm bar tackles, but not before he made one charge at the witnesses. Verille was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing and hindering.

Domestic Disturbance Leads To Charges

OCEAN CITY – An Upper Marlboro man was arrested on assault and drug charges last week after allegedly assaulting his long-time girlfriend in an uptown Ocean City hotel room.

Around 5 p.m. last Sunday, an OCPD officer responded to the Princess Royale Hotel for a reported domestic dispute. The officer went to the room in question and was greeted by a woman who was bleeding from small cuts under her left eye and the right side of her nose. The officer observed to room to be in disarray with a television, a table lamp and a tall free-standing lamp knocked to the floor.

When asked about her injuries, the victim reluctantly told police her boyfriend of eight years, identified as Neil E. Lawrence, 28, of Upper Marlboro, became angry with her during an argument and punched her several times in the head and face. The victim also told police the suspect shoved her around the room, which was why the television and lamps were knocked over on the floor. Lawrence was then arrested and charged with second-degree assault. A search of Lawrence incident to his arrest revealed a baggie of suspected marijuana in his front pocket and drug possession charges were tacked on.

Purse Snatchers Nabbed With Drugs

OCEAN CITY – A pair of Ocean City residents were arrested this week on drug charges after a search for a stolen purse turned up a significant amount of marijuana in their home.

Around 5:30 p.m. last Sunday, OCPD officers executed a search warrant on the residence of Michael Frank Savage, 25, and Marilyn A. Savage, 23, both of 7th Street in Ocean City, related to a reported stolen purse. The pair was identified as suspects in the theft of a $400 Dooney and Bourke purse and investigators got a District Court judge to release a search warrant on their premises.

When the OCPD officers searched the 7th Street residence, they did find the stolen purse tucked under a stand-up shelf, but the investigation also found a significant amount of marijuana throughout the unit. Because the search warrant included relatively small items easy to conceal such as a driver’s license, credit card, sunglasses, etc., the investigation focused on drawers, cabinets and other discreet areas.

During the search, police found three small bags of marijuana in a chest of drawers in the master bedroom, as well as a ceramic smoking device, and a heart-shaped tin containing more marijuana. Also found in the same drawer was a small purse consistent in description with the one mentioned in the search warrant. Otherwise, the chest of drawers contained primarily female clothes and personal items.

In another dresser in the same bedroom, police found a glass jar containing a large amount of pot, two packs of wrapping paper and a large quantity of plastic Baggies. Those items were found in a chest of drawers containing mainly male clothes and personal items.

In the only bathroom in the residence, police found in a linen closet a metal smoking device with burnt marijuana in the bowl. The pipe was in plain view and not meant to be concealed. Because of the amount of marijuana found and the way it was packaged, both Marilyn Savage and Michael Savage were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession and possession of paraphernalia in addition to the theft charges related to the stolen purse and other items.

Domestic Assault Arrest In Whaleyville

WHALEYVILLE – A local man was arrested for assault last week after a domestic situation outside a Whaleyville restaurant during which he allegedly knocked his wife to the ground.

Around 10:40 p.m. last Thursday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Oasis Bar and Grill in Whaleyville for a reported assault. Upon arrival, troopers learned the victim was assaulted outside the bar by her husband, James Truitt, 58, of Whaleyville. Truitt allegedly knocked his wife to the ground during an argument and fled the scene. Troopers found him a short time later at his residence and arrested him for second-degree assault.

Convenience Store Arrest Leads to PCP Charges

BERLIN – A Brooklyn, Md. man was arrested this week and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and PCP after being questioned near a Berlin convenience store.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, Maryland State Troopers assigned to the Shore Criminal Observation Uniform Team (SCOUT) observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Race Way Citgo in Berlin after normal business hours. The SCOUT officers questioned the lone occupant of the vehicle, later identified as Charles Frederick Keyser, 35.

According to police reports, Keyser’s speech was slow and slurred and his response to questions was delayed. While speaking with Keyser, troopers observed an amber-colored glass vile in the driver’s side door panel. When asked what was in the vile, Keyser responded it was cologne. However, when the officers opened the vile, they detected the distinct odor of phencyclidine, or PCP.

A further investigation of the vehicle turned up five additional glass bottles containing PCP. Keyser was arrested and charged with possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute and possession of PCP with intent to distribute. He is being held without bail in the Worcester County Jail.

Holiday Checkpoint Nets Three Arrests

BERLIN – A cooperative effort between the Maryland State Police, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police and Berlin Police on a sobriety checkpoint during the Memorial Day weekend last week netted three arrests of impaired drivers.

A sobriety checkpoint was set-up on westbound Route 50 near Silver Point Rd. last weekend from 11:35 p.m. last Friday to around 2:30 a.m. last Saturday. During the checkpoint, a total of 697 vehicles were checked, with six motorists pulled to the side of the road for additional testing. Of those six, three motorists were arrested and charged with driving while impaired.