Tuesday, July 28-Mounted Cop Helps Apprehend Assault Suspect

OCEAN CITY – An alert mounted Ocean City police officer was credited this week for helping colleagues arrest a man charged with assaulting three people with a knife in the downtown area.

On Friday, July 24, at approximately 2:08 a.m., Ocean City police officers responded to the area of 2nd Street and Baltimore Avenue in reference to a reported assault with a knife.

Ocean City Communications was able to broadcast a description of the suspect over the police radio. As officers began responding to the area, a mounted patrol officer spotted the suspect fleeing the scene. The mounted officer began to pursue the suspect. Additional police officers responded to the area to assist the mounted officer. After a short pursuit, officers detained the suspect, who tried to discard the knife just prior to being stopped by officers. The weapon was recovered by officers.

Investigation by police revealed that prior to the assault the suspect who had been drinking became involved in an argument with friends. During the argument, the suspect had assaulted three persons with the knife as well as assaulted a fourth person physically.

According to police, during this assault the suspect put the knife under the chin of one victims and demanded the victim empty his pockets in an attempt to rob the person. The suspect’s friends reportedly pulled the suspect away from the victims. There were no serious injuries to any of the victims.

The suspected identified as William Alfred Allewalt, 22, of Baltimore, was arrested and has been charged with attempted armed robbery, three counts of first degree assault, four counts of second degree assault, three counts of reckless endangerment and three counts of did openly wear and carry a dangerous weapon with the intent to cause injury.

Allenwalt was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held on $250,000 bond. Allenwalt was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

For all the week’s news, see The Dispatch on Friday.