Police investigating fights in Ocean City

Screen capture from video courtesy of Joe Barrasso/Facebook

5:30 p.m. UPDATE: Ocean City Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the victim and suspects in this assault.

Police say the incident happened at approximately 12:43 a.m., in the area of 4th Street and the boardwalk. After nearly three minutes, police finally received a 9-1-1 call for the altercation, and officers responded to the scene. However, when officers arrived, the crowd had already broken up, and the primary suspect and victim had left the area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who can provide any information on the identity of the suspects should email crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or call 410-723-6604. Anonymous tips can be left online or by phone at 410-520-5136.

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OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City Police say they are investigating several incidents that happened early Wednesday morning on the boardwalk.

A video was posted on social media at around 12:40 a.m., showing a large crowd gathered on the boardwalk. A short time later, a fight broke out, with several punches thrown. The victim was then pulled from the bench by crowd members who continued to assault him.

Mayor Rick Meehan released a statement on Wednesday, saying “The past few days have been extremely difficult for our community and our police department. The safety of our residents and visitors remains our number one priority. We are equally horrified by the actions displayed on social media videos depicting violence and unruly crowds. This behavior has no place in Ocean City and violence like this will not be tolerated. The Town and the OCPD are working immediately on addressing this disturbing behavior.”

Ocean City leaders will hold a special meeting today to discuss violence in the resort town. We will update this article with the latest information.