Ocean City, MD - On Friday, April 5, 2024, an 18-year-old resident of Gainesville, Virginia, Jackson Perry, was sentenced to five years of incarceration for charges of reckless endangerment and possession of a knife. The Honorable Beau H. Oglesby of Worcester County Circuit Court handed down the sentence.

Perry's troubles began at the 7900 block of Coastal Highway in Ocean City, where he was involved in a stabbing just after midnight on June 7, 2023. The Ocean City Police Department responded to a call and discovered a victim suffering from two severe stab wounds, one on his right hip and the other on his left forearm.

The incident was reportedly triggered when the victim accidentally brushed against Perry while walking with friends. Perry demanded an apology from the victim, and when they refused, a violent altercation broke out between two groups of friends, leaving the victim severely injured.

The Ocean City Police Department detectives reviewed pictures and videos from the crime scene, which helped identify Perry as the culprit. He surrendered to the authorities soon after.

Worcester County State's Attorney Kris Heiser expressed his gratitude to the Ocean City Police Department for their efforts on the case. He also emphasized that Worcester County has zero tolerance for violence and lawlessness, whether from its residents or tourists. 

Heiser reassured the public, stating, "Citizens here can rest assured that our police and prosecutors will continue to strictly enforce all laws and hold offenders accountable to keep our communities safe."

Assistant State's Attorney Mark J.A. Jaskulski, the prosecutor for the case, also received commendations for his work. The ruling sends a clear message to both residents and tourists that any act of violence within our community will be met with swift and severe justice.