Attempted Burglary Suspect Still Sought
WEST OCEAN CITY — Local law enforcement officials this week are seeking the public’s help in locating a somewhat bumbling Federalsburg man who broke into a West Ocean City residence earlier this month and unknowingly left his wallet with his driver’s license in it behind.
Eric Michael Cox is wanted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office after breaking into a West Ocean City residence and leaving his wallet behind. Submitted Photo
On July 16, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in West Ocean City for a reported break-in. The homeowner reported their residence had been broken into and the door was damaged. Unknown to the suspect, the residence was equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance system, which captured clear images of the suspect attempting to gain entry into the house and damaging the door in the process.
The suspect could clearly be seen kicking the door and utilizing a flashlight. The homeowner was notified of the attempted break-in via his alarm system. During the suspect’s criminal activity, he failed to notice he had lost his wallet, which contained his driver’s license and other form of identification. A Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputy was able to compare the video images with the driver’s license photograph and identify the suspect as Eric Michael Cox, 41, of Federalsburg.
Cox is now wanted for second-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary and malicious destruction of property. Anyone with information on Cox’s whereabouts is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1112, or their local police department.
LSD-Impaired Driver Slams Police Vehicle
WEST OCEAN CITY — A Bishopville man was arrested on multiple charges last week after allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of LSD that collided with a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy’s unmarked police vehicle.
Shortly before 9 p.m. last Thursday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy responded to an area on Route 50 to assist a fellow deputy who had been involved in a motor vehicle collision. The investigation revealed a suspect, later identified as Antonio Hayward, 28, of Bishopville, had driven his vehicle into an unmarked patrol vehicle.
A background check revealed Hayward was driving on a suspended and revoked Maryland license. According to police reports, Hayward admitted to using CDS, specifically LSD, before operating the motor vehicle. His vehicle was searched and multiple blue packages of heroin were located. Hayward was arrested and charged with possession of CDS and eight traffic citations. He was taken before a Court Commissioner and was released on personal recognizance pending trial.
Trespasser Arrested
WEST OCEAN CITY — A West Ocean City man was arrested last week after repeatedly trespassing at the same residential property.
Last Friday, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a trespasser at a residence on Old Bridge Rd. in West Ocean City. Upon arrival, the deputy learned the suspect had already left the area. The deputy spoke with the homeowner who said the suspect continued to park his BMW in the area and walk through his yard and around his residence.
The homeowner told police he made contact with the suspect back on July 13 and advised him to stay off his property and not return. A check on the call history of the property revealed the police had been called for similar incidents on July 13, July 27 and again on July 31.
A short time later, the homeowner contacted the Sheriff’s Office and advised the suspect had returned. The suspect was located in the area and a traffic stop was initiated. The suspect, identified as Kebba Wadda, 47, of West Ocean City, was arrested and charged with four counts of trespassing. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was released on personal recognizance.
Chronic Shoplifter Busted
BERLIN- A Newark woman was arrested on theft and drug charges last week after an alleged shoplifting scheme carried out through the month of July at the Wal-Mart on Route 50.
Last Friday, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a shoplifter at the Berlin Wal-Mart. Upon arrival, a deputy learned Wal-Mart security had stopped a suspect, later identified as Donna Romero, 55, of Newark, leaving the store with a shopping cart full of merchandise valued at $166.63. Further investigation revealed Romero had allegedly been carrying out a shoplifting scheme at the store throughout the month of July with the total value of goods swiped at $332.19.
A search of Romero’s purse revealed two prescription pills without an accompanying prescription. A search of her vehicle revealed four bags of heroin. Romero was arrested and charged with theft less than $1,000, six counts of theft less than $100, a theft scheme less than $1,000 and two counts of CDS possession. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was released pending trial.
Overturned Truck Results In Charge
SOUTH POINT — A Berlin man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving last week after allegedly rolling his truck on a driveway in South Point.
Around 5 a.m. last Friday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy responded to South Point Rd. for a reported motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered a white Chevy pick-up overturned at the end of a driveway on South Point Rd. The driver, identified as Jeffrey Brian Leidner, 56, of Berlin, did poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was charged with driving under the influence and was released pending trial.
Charges Filed After Vehicle Strikes Curbs
WEST OCEAN CITY — A Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving last week after allegedly running into the curb on Route 50 multiple times before stopping in a West Ocean City convenience store.
Around 5:50 a.m. last Thursday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the Royal Farms store on Route 50 in West Ocean City for a report of a possible intoxicated driver. The investigation revealed the driver, identified as Eric James Teel, 28, of Heathsville, Va., was operating his vehicle on a suspended license and had struck the curb on Route 50 several times, causing damage to the passenger side of his vehicle.
The deputy made contact with Teel, who exhibited signs of intoxication including an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Teel was subsequently arrested and charged with driving while impaired, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving and negligent driving. Teel was released on citations pending a court date.
Four Days For Resisting, DUI
SNOW HILL — A Pittsville woman, arrested in May on multiple charges after entering a house in Whaleyville uninvited, arguing with the residents and then being found intoxicated in her driveway, pleaded guilty this week to resisting arrest and driving while impaired and was sentenced to 30 days, all but four of which were then suspended.
Around 8:15 p.m. on May 8, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville for a reported burglary. The deputies met with the complainant, who told the officers a drunk female had entered the back door of her residence without permission. After a short argument ensued between the residents and the drunk female, the suspect exited the residence through the front door.
Shortly thereafter, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect, identified as Diana Griffin, 32, of Pittsville, who was seated in her vehicle in the driveway. Griffin was asked to roll down the window and the deputy immediately detected to strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The deputy also noted the suspect’s eyes were bloodshot and her words were slurred.
The deputy asked Griffin to step out of the vehicle for field sobriety tests, but she refused several times. Griffin was ultimately placed under arrest after resisting multiple attempts. She was charged with fourth-degree burglary, DWI, DUI, violating an alcohol restriction and resisting arrest.
On Monday, Griffin pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and driving while impaired and was sentenced to 30 days, all but four of which were then suspended. She was also fined $400.