OCEAN CITY, Md. — July 5, 2025 | Updated: 9:53 p.m. EDT

The Ocean City Police Department is investigating a non-fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning near 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland, during the busy Independence Day holiday weekend. The incident prompted a significant law enforcement response as officers secured the area and launched a criminal investigation.

According to police, officers heard gunshots at approximately 1:06 a.m. EDT on July 5, 2025, and immediately responded to the intersection of 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Upon arrival, they located a 22-year-old man from Cambridge, Maryland, suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. Emergency medical personnel treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to TidalHealth with injuries that authorities said were not life-threatening.

Investigators said the victim has not been cooperating with detectives, presenting challenges for the investigation. The case has been assigned to the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division – Major Crimes Unit, which continues to pursue leads and collect evidence.

The shooting occurred during an exceptionally busy Fourth of July weekend that saw thousands of visitors in Ocean City. Police increased patrols across the resort town in response to large gatherings and several public safety incidents. In addition to the shooting, officers investigated robberies, assaults, multiple illegal handgun arrests, and reports of fireworks being mistaken for gunfire on the Boardwalk. Authorities emphasized that an earlier panic during the downtown fireworks display was caused by fireworks—not an active shooter or firearm attack.

Traffic around 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue was temporarily affected while detectives processed the crime scene and gathered forensic evidence. Officers also canvassed the area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or who has relevant cellphone, dashcam, or surveillance video to contact Detective First Class A. Gutowski at 410-723-6610 or submit anonymous information through the department’s crime tip program. Investigators have requested that tipsters reference Case No. 2025-00-2374.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect. The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.