OCEAN CITY FIRE TRUCK STRUCK BY SUSPECTED DRUNK DRIVER

Ocean City, MD - The Ocean City Police Department responded to a hit-and-run collision in the area of 8^th Street and Philadelphia Ave on Saturday, June 10, 2023, around 8:35 PM.The collision involved an Ocean City Fire Truck (Engine 1-1) and a black sedan, which failed to stop after the collision. There were no injuries reported at the time of the collision. Officers provided a description of the suspect vehicle to fellow law enforcement.Maryland State Police quickly located the suspect vehicle in the 10-block of Surf Avenue.During the investigation, officers learned that the Ocean City Fire Truck was responding to a report of a gas leak in the area of 1101 Atlantic Ave in Ocean City, Maryland. The fire truck had its emergency lights on at the time of the collision.Witnesses reported that the black sedan was traveling above the speed limit and pulled out in front of the fire truck, causing the collision.The sedan continued to travel south on Philadelphia Ave. The fire truck stopped immediately.Officers with the Ocean City Police Department responded to Surf Avenue. The driver of the sedan was identified as Tashae Simmons. Officers suspected Simmons was impaired by alcohol. Simmons was placed under arrest for the hit-and-run collision and driving under the influence.Due to the attentiveness of the officers that were out patrolling the downtown area, the following arrest was made:Tashae Raezheen Lashan Simmons, 27, Lancaster, PA: Negligent driving, reckless driving, driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driver changing lanes while unsafe, failure to control vehicle speed on the highway to avoid a collision, and multiple other traffic-related charges. Simmons has been seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was held on a $5,000 bond.The Ocean City Police Department is prepared and proactively handling criminal violations and citizen complaints of illegal activity to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. We want to remind citizens that if they see something suspicious, or have concerns about possible criminal activity occurring in Ocean City, reach out to us. We encourage you to call our Tip Line at 410-520-5136, email us at crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or contact the Police Department directly at 410-723-6610.All subjects mentioned in this press release are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.© Eastern Shore Undercover LLC TM/SM. All Rights Reserved.