Disorderly Man Becmes Combative Assaults Officers

Joseph Tyrice Cromartie

On June 9, 2013, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Ocean City police were on uniformed bicycle patrol near 5th Street and the Boardwalk when officers observed two males pushing and arguing with one another causing a very large crowd to gather. Officers attempted to separate the two males; however, one of the suspects, who was later identified as Joseph Tyrice Cromartie, 20, of Clinton, MD, became combative and assaulted the officers. One of the officers used his Electronic Control Device (Taser) to subdue Cromartie, who was eventually arrested.


By that time, the large crowd which had gathered at the scene began acting in a disorderly, aggressive manner, taunting and making threatening statements towards officers.  Additional officers responded to the scene, including K-9 and mounted patrols, Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies and Maryland State Police Troopers. The crowd was quickly dispersed and order was restored to the area.

Per OCPD policy, Cromartie was transported by Ocean City EMS to Atlantic General Hospital for examination as a result of the use of the ECD/Taser device. He was shortly released to OCPD with no injuries.


Cromartie was charged by Ocean City Police with two counts of second degree assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct, failure to obey law enforcement and resisting arrest. Cromartie was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released on his own recognizance.

No officers were injured during this incident.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department