Two Baltimore area men arrested after reports of shots fired in Ocean City

Police say that two Baltimore area men were arrested after witnesses reported shots fired on Wicomico Street on Thursday night in Ocean City.

On Thursday at 9:00 p.m., Ocean City police officers responded to the area of Wicomico Street and Baltimore Avenue after receiving reports of a man with a rifle and the reports of shots fired. Witnesses reportedly described the suspects and their vehicle.

Police say patrol officers quickly found the suspect's vehicle northbound on Baltimore Avenue and stopped the suspects with help from the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit who were conducting a crime suppression detail in the downtown area at the time with support of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team and a Maryland State Police special enforcement team.

The suspects were reportedly identified as 20-year-old Christopher Thomas and 18-year-old Tarik Purcell of Gwynn Oak. The two were arrested without incident. During a search of the car, police say, they found two Hi-Point carbine pistols.

Investigators say the incident started when Thomas and Purcell were arguing with another group before firing two rounds into the air on Wicomico Street. After that, both parties reportedly left the scene. Two spent shell casings were found in the area. No victims were injured during the incident.

Thomas has been charged with possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a handgun, handgun in a vehicle, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm within city limits.

Purcell has been charged with possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a handgun, handgun in a vehicle, and operating a vehicle with unauthorized window tinting. Thomas and Purcell are currently being held at the Ocean City Public Safety Building, and are awaiting an initial appearance before a Maryland District Court Commissioner.