Ocean city man charged with murder in fatal pedestrian collision

OCEAN CITY, MD — A 57-year-old Ocean City man has been charged with murder after allegedly using his SUV to intentionally strike and kill a pedestrian in a shopping center parking lot near 94th Street on December 16.

The Ocean City Police Department responded to the scene shortly before 5 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious collision. Emergency medical responders transported the 59-year-old male victim to Atlantic General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators say the victim was walking west across the parking lot after gesturing toward a dark-colored SUV. The SUV, which had initially turned onto Coastal Highway, reportedly accelerated into the parking lot and swerved directly into the victim’s path, striking him intentionally. The driver then fled south on Coastal Highway.

Surveillance footage and witness accounts helped police identify the suspect as James John Johnson, whose vehicle was later found at a residence near 77th Street. Johnson was arrested during the early hours of December 17 following a coordinated effort involving multiple police units and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Johnson faces charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He remains held without bond following an initial hearing with a Maryland District Court Commissioner.

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