Ocean City officials have confirmed that fireworks — not gunfire — were the source of loud noises that caused panic and sent crowds scrambling on the boardwalk Friday night.
“Some witnesses reported ‘shots fired,’ but we can confirm that there were NO firearm-related injuries involved,” the department said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. “There is no ongoing threat to the public.”
The commotion occurred after a group of individuals discharged fireworks into a crowd in the downtown area for a July 4 celebration, according to police. An Ocean City police official confirmed to The Baltimore Sun multiple arrests were made in connection with the incident but could not provide any further information.
In addition, Ocean City police reported a nonfatal shooting near 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue early Saturday morning. Both southbound and northbound traffic were shut down before being reopened around 2 a.m.
Baltimore Sun reporter Jacques Kelly contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.