Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested After Wild Chase In Ocean City

Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested After Wild Chase In Ocean City
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OCEAN CITY — An Eldersburg man was arrested on numerous charges this week including driving under the influence of alcohol after leading resort police on a chase through the midtown area before driving onto the sidewalk and attempting to flee on foot.

Around 11:20 p.m. on Monday, Ocean City Police observed a vehicle being driven erratically in the area of 74th Street and attempted to pull it over for further investigation. The driver, identified as Shawn Josef Martin, 29, turned into a parking garage at 77th Street and sped through the garage at a high rate of speed before exiting and striking a bush.

OCPD officers attempted to stop Martin numerous times, but he continued to flee, driving through several stop signs at a dangerously high rate of speed. Martin then reportedly turned back onto Coastal Highway and crossed four lanes of traffic, losing control of the vehicle at one point and nearly hitting the median, according to police reports. Martin then turned east onto 79th Street, drove onto the sidewalk and struck a street sign, causing his vehicle to stop.

Martin then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was taken into custody a short time later. During the subsequent investigation, OCPD officers allegedly confirmed their suspicion about Martin’s level of intoxication and he was charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. He was also issued nearly 50 citations for various traffic charges including reckless and negligent driving. At least 12 of the citations require Martin to appear in court.

Martin was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held on a $25,000 bond. He was released on Tuesday after posting the bond.