Ocean City “Takeover” Investigation Leads to Drug Distribution Arrest
OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has arrested a man on drug distribution charges following an investigation into the “Takeover” event planned in the area.
Police have arrested 20-year-old Mehkai Leonard Tindal of Baltimore on a charge of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). He was arraigned and held on a $5,000 bond.
Officers also arrested a 21-year-old woman of Frederick, along with three other individuals out of Baltimore in connection with promoting several upcoming takeover-style events in Ocean City.
On Jun. 17, 2026, the OCPD’s Special Enforcement Unit received information from Baltimore City Police regarding the promotion of a “Late Night Beach Party Link Up,” a term authorities say is commonly associated with takeover-style events organized and promoted through social media. The event was scheduled to occur in Ocean City on the following day.
Through an investigation, detectives determined the social media accounts promoting the event belonged to individuals identified and taken into custody the previous day. As investigators continued developing information, they learned one of the identified individuals, Tindal, was also using social media to advertise the illegal sale of CDS within Ocean City. Based on prior law enforcement interactions and physical surveillance, detectives identified the vehicle Tindal was operating and the location where he was staying near 19th Street and Philadelphia Avenue.
On Jun. 18, narcotics detectives arranged an undercover purchase of CDS from Tindal in the area of 16th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Detectives successfully completed the controlled purchase and subsequently conducted a traffic stop, taking Tindal into custody without incident.
During the investigation, detectives executed search warrants at the motel near 19th Street and recovered additional CDSs and distribution-related materials. Detectives also seized a vehicle
pending forfeiture proceedings.
“Public safety increasingly requires a proactive approach,” said Chief Raymond J. Austin. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, sharing information, and monitoring emerging activity on social media allows us to identify potential issues early and take action before they impact our community.”
