CRISFIELD, Md.- Police have arrested two suspects accused of pointing handguns at six juveniles in Crisfield.
Mark Smith, 19, of Salisbury, and William Melrice Ward, also known as "Bill," 20, of Crisfield, are each charged with five counts of first-degree assault, six counts of second-degree assault, six counts of reckless endangerment, handgun on a person and deadly weapon with the intent to injure.
On the evening of Sunday, Jan. 15, Crisfield police officers responded to an assault that allegedly occurred on the 200 block of Cove Street. When officers arrived on the scene, they met with six juveniles who stated that they were approached by two suspects and words were exchanged between the groups. The juveniles told the officers that during the verbal exchange, the two suspects pulled out handguns and pointed them at them. Police said that one of the suspects- later identified as Ward- placed his weapon directly against the head of one of the juveniles. The suspects then fled the area after the incident, investigators said.
Officers searched the neighborhood for the suspects but were unable to locate them.
During the ensuing investigation, police identified one of the suspects as Ward while the other suspect was identified through Facebook as Smith.
Police obtained arrest warrants for both suspects who were reported to have fled to Salisbury. The Maryland State Police Fugitive Task Force was notified about the suspects. On Friday, Jan. 20, members of the task force located Smith at a motel in Salisbury and took him into custody.
The task force took Ward into custody on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 234 Broadway in Crisfield. Both suspects were charged with the aforementioned offenses and ordered held without bond.
Police said that additionally, the parents of the juveniles sought protective orders against the suspects in connection with the alleged incidents. A judge granted the parents' requests, and the orders were served on both suspects in this case.
"This was a very egregious crime against these defenseless juveniles," said Crisfield Police Michael Tabor, who noted that the suspects had pulled the guns on the juveniles without provocation.
"I have spoken to and written a letter to the State's Attorney of Somerset County requesting swift justice in this matter," the chief further stated. "Individuals like these need to be taken off the streets, as they have been, to protect our citizens from individuals who have no concern nor regard for life!"
Mark Smith
William Melrice Ward
