OCPD Arrest Drunk Driver After Short Pursuit

Shawn Josef Martin

On May 20, 2013, at approximately 11:20 p.m. Ocean City Police observed a vehicle being driven erratically northbound on Coastal Highway. Based on police observations, the driver was suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol. Police attempted to stop the vehicle near 74^th Street; however, the vehicle fled.

Police pursued the vehicle at which time the driver, later identified as Shawn Josef Martin, 29, of Eldersburg, MD, turned into a parking garage on 77^th Street. Martin then sped through and exited the garage at which point struck a bush. Police attempted numerous times to have Martin stop; however, he continued to flee driving through several stop signs and traveling at a dangerously high rate of speed. Martin turned back onto Coastal Highway and crossed four lanes of traffic where he lost control and nearly struck the center median. He then turned east onto 79^th Street, drove onto the sidewalk and struck a street sign at which time his vehicle stopped. Martin exited his vehicle and attempted to flee the crash scene on foot but was taken into custody shortly after by responding officers. During the on-scene investigation, police confirmed their suspicion that Martin was intoxicated. Officers also noted that there were no injuries during the incident.

Ocean City Police have charged Martin with 49 citations for various reckless/aggressive driving charges. Martin must appear in court for 12 of those citations.

Martin was released on his own recognizance on $25,000 unsecured bond.

Commercial Vehicle Collides Into Police Car

On May 18, 2013, at approximately 11:35 a.m. a marked Ocean City Police vehicle with two officers was travelling southbound and was stopped in stop and go traffic at 84th Street.  

A commercial vehicle described as a “Bethany Resort Furnishing” box truck failed to stop causing the box truck to strike the marked police car.  This caused a chain reaction involving four vehicles total.  The two officers inside the police vehicle, who are not being identified at this time, were treated at the scene by Ocean City EMS and transported to Atlantic General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Both officers were later released from the hospital, however will not return to duty for several days.  The police vehicle involved sustained a significant amount of damage and has been taken out of service.  

The operator of the at-fault commercial vehicle has been identified as John Clifton Truitt, 33, of Salisbury, MD and was charged with:

• Failing to control speed to avoid a collision

• Negligent driving

• Failing to have valid medical certificate (Commercial Driver Code Violation)

The other three vehicles involved were not significantly damaged and could be driven from the scene. No other injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

OCPD Taking Part in National Click It or Ticket Enforcement

As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday weekend, Ocean City Police are urging everyone to buckle up.   Beginning Monday, May 20th, law enforcement officials were be out in full force, taking part in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

“We want everyone to enjoy their summer here in Ocean City. One big part of that is staying safe,” said Acting Chief Gregory Guiton. “Buckling your seat belt is one of the easiest choices you can make to ensure your safety.”

On the morning of May 20th, OCPD joined law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland and the entire northeast region in mobilizing the Click It or Ticket “Border to Border” Operation.

Law enforcement agencies that share State borders will team up to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites, sending a ‘zero tolerance’ message to the public: Driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what State.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. As noted, deaths involving seat belt nonuse are more prevalent at night than during the daytime.  According to the NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. 

“Maryland’s seatbelt law is about to get tougher.  Come October first, everyone must wear a seatbelt.  Everyone.  Those in the back seat as well as those in the front,” said John Kuo Administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative for in Maryland. “Governor O’Malley just signed into law a bill that will require all occupants of a vehicle to be buckled.”

In 2011, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide according to the NHTSA. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Motorist Charged for Striking Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk

On May 18, 2013, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Ocean City Police responded to the area of 28^th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, in reference to a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle.

Officers and Ocean City EMS personnel arrived at the scene and determined that a 25-year-old pedestrian, whose name is not being released, was walking with the pedestrian signal on Philadelphia Avenue at 28th Street from east to west when she was struck by a vehicle turning onto northbound Philadelphia Avenue from Robin Drive. The investigation determined the driver at the intersection failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian and struck her while she was in the crosswalk.

The pedestrian was transported to PRMC by OCEMS with non-life threatening injuries. The driver, identified as Tess Ann Marianetti, 21, of Bel Air, MD, was cited for failing to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Ocean City Police urge citizens to use extra caution while crossing streets, as well as advise drivers to be alert of pedestrians on the road.

For individuals who are traveling on foot, on a bicycle, moped or scooter, here are some important safety tips to remember:

• Cross the street at a marked crosswalk or intersection.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy intersections
• Continue to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk.
• It is illegal to wear headphones in both ears at the same time while operating any vehicle.

Vehicle operators should to be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping consistently aware of pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.

• Avoid making quick, un-signaled turns or abrupt stops. If you can’t make the turn safely, proceed past the turn and turn around when safe.
• Allow plenty of time to stop or proceed through intersections.
• Pedestrians should only use crosswalks and not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights.
• Parents are reminded to pay extra attention to children when crossing busy roads. Keep hold of small children’s hands while waiting for traffic lights to change and while crossing.

The Ocean City Police Department reminds visitors to Walk Smart: Drive with Care, Walk with Caution.

OCPD Charge Suspect in Theft of City Property

On May 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Ocean City Police responded to the inlet lot in reference to a theft of Town of Ocean City property.  Officer arrived at the scene and met with an Ocean City Public Works supervisor who advised that two large sets of aluminum steps were stolen from a collapsible stage/trailer in the inlet parking lot. 

Police noted the items that were stolen were from an area of the Inlet that is covered by the Town of Ocean City video surveillance cameras.   Officers were able to use the surveillance images that captured a person stealing the items.  After viewing footage from several cameras a suspect was identified as Timothy Allen Aulinskis, 46, of Berlin. 

Officers located Aulinskis pick-up truck with the stolen city property at a residence in Berlin, Maryland.  During the investigation Police determined that Aulinskis did steal the items valued at approximately $3000.

 Ocean City Police have charged Aulinskis with the following:

-          2 counts Theft $1000 to $10,000

 This is another example of surveillance technology helping to solve crimes.  In an ongoing effort to improve public safety, The Town of Ocean City has strategically positioned video surveillance cameras at various public locations throughout Ocean City.  These cameras provide not only surveillance to catch criminals; they also assist public safety with vehicular traffic management and large event planning. 

The OCPD reminds citizens that it can view real-time video images of the Ocean City Boardwalk, Inlet and Beach by going to: http://oceancitymd.gov/allcams.html.

A photo of Aulinskis is not available at this time.