Burglary Suspect Tased

BERLIN — Berlin Police were forced to tase an Eden man early Sunday morning after he broke into an apartment on Bay Street and assaulted three occupants during a burglary attempt.
Around 12:35 a.m. on Sunday, Berlin Police responded to Bay Street for a reported burglary in progress. When officers arrived, they observed the suspect, later identified as Jason Lee Payne, 21, of Eden, standing outside one of the apartment units. According to police reports, when Payne saw the officers approaching him on foot, he allegedly forced his way into the unit and assaulted its three occupants.
After a brief struggle, Berlin Police tased Payne and he was taken into custody. During a search incident to the arrest, a fixed blade knife was found on Payne, who was found to have multiple felony count warrants through the Maryland State Police Princess Anne barrack for an incident that had occurred earlier in the week. A vehicle that Payne had allegedly stolen was recovered near the scene.
Payne was charged with first-degree burglary, three counts of second-degree assault and carrying a concealed weapon. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held without bond.

Rape Indictment
OCEAN CITY — A Worcester County grand jury has indicted an Ocean City man on second-degree rape charges following an alleged sexual assault in the resort in May.
On May 29, Ocean City Police received a complaint of a sexual assault involving an adult female victim and a 32-year-old male suspect. During the subsequent investigation, the victim identified the suspect as James Lee Travis, 32, of Ocean City. Further investigation revealed during the early morning hours of May 24, the victim and Travis were out for the evening at an area restaurant with friends and later returned to a residence on Bayshore Drive.
While at the Bayshore Drive residence, the victim went to sleep and woke up to find Travis allegedly sexually assaulting her. On July 23, a Worcester County grand jury indicted Travis on a second-degree rape count and other sex offense charges. An arrest warrant was issued for Travis with a preset bond amount of $150,000. Travis was subsequently arrested on July 29 and is currently being held in the Worcester County Jail.

Fire Destroys Berlin Residence
BERLIN — The cause of a residential fire on Adkins Rd. late last Friday afternoon that destroyed a home and drew firefighters from seven companies around the area is being listed as undetermined this week was the investigation remains open.
Around 4:30 p.m. last Friday, the Berlin and Showell Fire Companies were alerted about a reported residential structure fire on Adkins Rd. in Berlin near Route 589. First arriving units observed smoke and fire extending from a single-story structure with exposure to a detached garage.
Firefighters from Berlin, Showell, Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Bishopville, Newark and Willards all assisted with extinguishing the fire, and effort that lasted into the late evening hours. Firefighters remained on the scene for about eight hours. One firefighter received minor injuries and was treated and released from the hospital. No other injuries were reported, but a family pet perished in the fire. As of mid-week, the cause of the fire was listed as undetermined and the investigation remained open. Anyone with information is urged to contact Worcester County Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Matt Owens at 410-632-5666, or by email to [email protected].

Copper Thief Found In Attic
SALISBURY — A Salisbury man was arrested on burglary charges after police found him hiding in the attic of an unoccupied residence currently undergoing renovations.
Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, a Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a residential alarm at a residence on Mohawk Ave. in Salisbury. The residence was vacant and is currently undergoing renovations. Upon arrival, the deputy observed signs of forced entry at a rear window, but once inside the officer did not see any suspects.
While inside the residence, the officer heard noises indicating a suspect or suspect might be hiding in the attic. The deputy searched the attic and located a suspect, later identified as Edward T. Johnson, 30, of Salisbury, lying in a prone position in an attempt to evade discovery. During the subsequent investigation, the deputy determined Johnson had broken into the residence in an attempt to cut copper wire from the ongoing renovation project.
Johnson was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held on a $5,000 bond.

First-Degree Assault Arrest
SALISBURY — A Hebron man was arrested on first-degree assault and other charges last week after allegedly punching a victim in the face several times and slamming the victim’s head into the ground during a dispute about a vehicle.
Around 2:25 p.m. last Wednesday, a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested Joseph C. Derbyshire, 36, of Hebron on first-degree assault and other charges following a complaint filed two days earlier. Derbyshire is accused of assaulting another individual during an altercation over the use of a vehicle. During the alleged assault, Derbyshire punched the victim repeatedly and then slammed the victim’s head into the ground.
During the investigation, the deputy observed signs of injury that corroborated the victim’s account of the incident. Derbyshire was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held on a $25,000 bond.