(July 10, 2014) – Ocean City Police have arrested a man from Philadelphia, PA after a routine traffic stop led to an extensive search and a burglary investigation lasting over four hours.
On July 7, 2014, at approximately 4 p.m. Ocean City police on uniformed vehicle patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Philadelphia Avenue and 32nd Street for a seatbelt violation and an expired registration plate. During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle stated that he did not have a valid driver’s license and gave false identification information.
When officers asked the driver, later identified as Weldon C. Lucas III, 38, to step out of the vehicle, Lucas fled from the scene on foot and began running westbound across Philadelphia Avenue until officers lost sight of him. Additional officers responded to the area and were unable to locate Lucas. During the investigation, officers determined that Lucas had a suspended driver’s license and also had multiple warrants out for his arrest from the Philadelphia Police Department.
Multiple members of the OCPD, including detectives from the Major Crimes Division and Special Enforcement Unit, as well as patrol officers, continued to actively search for Lucas. At approximately 8:30 p.m. police located and arrested Lucas in the area of 82nd Street and the beach.
Through investigation, detectives learned that Lucas had burglarized a condo unit after he initially fled from police and stole a bicycle and clothing items to disguise himself.
Ocean City Police have charged Lucas with multiple burglary and theft charges in addition to various traffic violations. Lucas declined to be seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and has been transferred to the Worcester County Jail.
When officers asked the driver, later identified as Weldon C. Lucas III, 38, to step out of the vehicle, Lucas fled from the scene on foot and began running westbound across Philadelphia Avenue until officers lost sight of him. Additional officers responded to the area and were unable to locate Lucas. During the investigation, officers determined that Lucas had a suspended driver’s license and also had multiple warrants out for his arrest from the Philadelphia Police Department. Multiple members of the OCPD, including detectives from the Major Crimes Division and Special Enforcement Unit, as well as patrol officers, continued to actively search for Lucas. At approximately 8:30 p.m. police located and arrested Lucas in the area of 82nd Street and the beach.
