Maryland State Police is investigating a report of dive team members allegedly getting drunk and killing foxes while at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Ocean City earlier this summer.
The agency’s spokesperson, Elena Russo, confirmed this week an administrative investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Members of the Maryland State Police are committed to serving and protecting the citizens of our state,” she said. “Accusations of conduct contrary to our core values, policies and tradition, are troubling and will be thoroughly investigated.”
According to two sources, the investigation stems from an incident that occurred at the Coast Guard station during the OC Air Show in June. Reports allege one or more members of the Maryland State Police dive team, staying in tents at the station, became intoxicated and killed one or more wild foxes with an air rifle.
“The Coast Guard is aware of an incident involving Maryland State Police Department personnel at a Coast Guard facility,” said Ronald Hodges, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard East District. “The matter is currently under investigation by MSP.”
Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller also acknowledged the June incident this week, stating the department was aware of an incident but had no jurisdiction over what occurred at the federal base.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Public Information Officer Hunter Dortenzo also acknowledged the incident in a statement issued Tuesday.
“The Maryland Natural Resources Police is aware of the incident in question involving a member of the Maryland State Police on U.S. Coast Guard Station Ocean City grounds in June,” he said. “While the incident is under departmental investigation by MSP, all other investigative information should be relayed through USCG Public Affairs due to the actions occurring on U.S. government property.”
msp getting drunk, whodathunkit!
use of an air rifle in the city? shooting fox? or getting drunk? should be glad to get rid of the foxes