Ocean City Police Department

OCPD Investigation into Social Media “Takeover” Event Promotion Leads to Drug Distribution Arrest

The Ocean City Police Department is emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships with allied law enforcement agencies, proactive information sharing, and close monitoring of social media platforms as agencies continue to respond to the growing national trend of social media-driven “takeover” style events.

“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.”

On June 17, 2026, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Special Enforcement Unit received information from the Baltimore City Police Department regarding the promotion of a “Late Night Beach Party Link Up,” a term commonly associated with takeover-style events organized and promoted through social media. The event was scheduled to occur in Ocean City on June 18, 2026.

Through the investigation, detectives determined the social media accounts promoting the event belonged to individuals who had previously been identified on June 16, 2026, when OCPD Special Enforcement Unit detectives and Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team (CET) detectives assisted the Maryland State Apprehension Team and U.S. Marshals Service with the apprehension of a wanted individual in downtown Ocean City.

During that June 16 operation, a 21-year-old female from Frederick, Maryland, was taken into custody without incident on an outstanding warrant related to a home invasion investigation. Detectives also identified two male associates, ages 18 and 20, and a 24-year-old female associate, all from Baltimore, Maryland, as individuals promoting several upcoming takeover-style events in Ocean City.

As investigators continued developing information with allied law enforcement agencies, they learned one of the identified individuals, Mehkai Leonard Tindal, 20, of Baltimore, Maryland, was also using social media to advertise the illegal sale of controlled dangerous substances (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 June 18, 2026, narcotics detectives assigned to the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, working in coordination with OCPD Special Enforcement Unit 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 controlled dangerous substances and distribution-related materials.

Detectives also seized a vehicle pending forfeiture proceedings.
Tindal was charged with the distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held on a $5,000 bond.

The Ocean City Police Department remains prepared and proactive in addressing criminal activity and citizen concerns to ensure the continued safety of our residents and visitors. As social media-driven takeover-style events continue to emerge nationally, OCPD encourages community members to report suspicious activity, including social media content promoting large gatherings, dangerous activity, or potential criminal behavior within Ocean City.

If you see something concerning, we encourage you to say something. Community partnerships play a critical role in maintaining public safety. Citizens who observe suspicious activity or have information regarding possible criminal activity in Ocean City are encouraged to contact our Tip Line at 410-520-5136, email [email protected], or contact the Ocean City Police Department directly at 410-723-6610.

Public Assistance Needed: The Ocean City Police Department is currently investigating a threat of arson that occurred near 87th Street on June 22, 2026, around 5:54 p.m.

The suspect, photographed below, is described as a white male with curly brown hair. He was last seen shirtless, wearing a scarf, black pants with red-and-white logos, black high-top sneakers, sunglasses, and over-the-ear headphones. He was last seen walking northbound on Bering Road.

If you know this individual or have any information about this incident, please contact Corporal C. Finch at [email protected] or 410-723-6610. Anonymous tips may be left by calling 410-520-5136 or submitted by email at [email protected]. Please reference case number 2026-00-2143.

FINAL UPDATE (6/22/26 2:01 a.m.): The roadway at 42nd Street and Coastal Highway have been reopened.

Update #1: Northbound Coastal Highway traffic has been reduced to one lane of travel. Please use caution when driving in the area.

TRAVEL ADVISORY: All northbound lanes on Coastal Highway at 42nd Street are currently closed due to a motor vehicle collision. Traffic is being diverted through the alleyway from 41st to 44th Street. Please use caution in the area. We will provide updates as they become available.

UPDATE (6/21/2026 2:24 a.m.): Thank you for all your assistance. The individuals involved have been identified.

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Public Assistance Needed: The Ocean City Police Department is investigating a malicious destruction of property that occurred near 6th St and Baltimore Avenue around 3:55 a.m. on June 20, 2026.

We are attempting to identify the five individuals in the photos below.

Suspect # 1: a white male with dark hair, last seen wearing a blue shirt and dark colored shorts.

Suspect # 2: a white male with dark hair, last seen wearing a dark colored shirt and dark colored shorts.

Suspect # 3: a white male with dark hair, last seen wearing a black tank top, gray shorts, and sandals.

Suspect # 4: a black male with dark hair, last seen wearing a black graphic t-shirt, dark colored shorts, and white sneakers.

Suspect # 5: a white male with dark hair, a dark colored graphic t-shirt, and light colored pants.

If you know any of these individuals or have any information regarding this incident, please get in touch with PFC S. Mills at [email protected] or 410-723-6610. Anonymous tips may be left by calling 410-520-5136 or submitted by email at [email protected]. Please reference case number 2026-00-2044.

FINAL UPDATE (6/21/26 12:59 a.m.): All southbound lanes at Convention Center Drive and Coastal Highway have been reopened.

UPDATE #1 (6/20/26 10:43 p.m.): Southbound Coastal Highway traffic has been shifted to the bus lane. Please use caution when traveling in the area.

TRAVEL ADVISORY: All Southbound traffic on Coastal Highway at Convention Center Drive is currently shut down due to a motor vehicle collision. Southbound traffic is being rerouted through the Convention Center parking lot. We will provide updates as they become available.

UPDATE: June 20, 2026 10:00am
The individual has been identified. Thank you for your assistance.

Public Assistance Needed: The Ocean City Police Department is investigating an assault that occurred on June 19th, 2026 around 6:53PM at a bayside parking lot on 75th Street.

The suspect in the photographs is described as a white female last seen wearing a green tank top, blue jeans, white sandals, and a white hooded sweatshirt wrapped around her waist. The suspect has brown hair and was last seen leaving the parking lot with a group of individuals.

If you know the suspect’s identity or have any information regarding this incident, please contact OFC D. Swanger at [email protected] or 410-723-6610.

Anonymous tips may be left by calling 410-520-5136, online, or by emailing [email protected]. Please reference case number 2026-00-2021.

Community Traffic Update: Bayshore Drive Speed Study

We continue working closely with our community to address traffic concerns and use data to help guide education and enforcement efforts. Recently, the Ocean City Police Department conducted a speed study on Bayshore Drive from June 9, 2026, through June 16, 2026, to better understand traffic patterns in the area.

Here’s what we found:

🔹 Total vehicles recorded: 17,894
🔹 Average speed: 20 mph
🔹 Vehicles exceeding the speed limit: 168 (0.94%)
🔹 Vehicles traveling 16+ mph over the limit: 46 (0.26%)
🔹 Average number of speeders per hour: 1.03
🔹 Vehicles traveling 5+ mph under the speed limit: 8,571 (47.90%)

What does this tell us? While some drivers exceeded the speed limit, the data showed that over 99% of vehicles were not traveling at enforceable speeding levels, and nearly half of all drivers were traveling at least 5 mph below the speed limit.

These results are generally consistent with what we see across many of the major neighborhood roadways throughout our community.

Traffic safety remains a priority, and we appreciate residents continuing to share concerns with us. We’ll keep using data, education, and targeted enforcement to help keep our neighborhoods safe for everyone, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and families.

Today, the National Aquarium released nine rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Atlantic Ocean, and what an incredible sight it was! The beach was packed with excited spectators who came out to cheer on these amazing animals as they returned home.

Our Animal Control Officers, Police Officers, Ocean City Beach Patrol, Town of Ocean City Council members, and our partners from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office were on hand to help ensure everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience.

It’s not every day that law enforcement gets to assist with a mission that involves fewer handcuffs and more flippers, but protecting our community also means helping protect the wildlife that makes Ocean City so special.

📱🚫 A text can wait. A life can’t.

Distracted driving only takes a few seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Put the phone down, keep your eyes on the road, and focus on driving.

Whether you're traveling Coastal Highway, navigating a neighborhood street, or crossing an intersection, your full attention belongs on the road. Help protect pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers, and fellow drivers by staying alert behind the wheel.

📵 Drive now. Text later. Arrive safely.

🚨 Scam Alert: Be Mindful Before Donating 🚨

The Ocean City Police Department has been made aware of an individual approaching people with a story that their mother was involved in a serious traffic crash and that they need money for gas to travel to Shock Trauma to be with her.

In some cases, the individual has used the names of local politicians or other well-known community members to make the story seem more believable.

We encourage everyone to be cautious when approached by individuals requesting financial assistance. Unfortunately, not every story is what it seems.

✔️ If you choose to help someone in need, consider donating through established charities or organizations whenever possible.

If you encounter suspicious activity or believe you may have been the victim of a scam, please contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610.

Thank you for helping us keep our community informed and looking out for one another.