Motor vehicle crash claims woman’s life in Ocean Pines

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(May 4, 2023) Ocean Parkway was closed near the South Fire Station Monday morning following a motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian, according to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office reported Tuesday that around 9:23 a.m. Pamela Shellenberger was walking across Ocean Parkway at the intersection of King Richard Road in Ocean Pines when she was struck by a vehicle being driven by Bethany Jones, 30 of Berlin.

The victim was airlifted from the scene by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Tidal Health Penin- sula Regional in Salisbury where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Jones talked to police at the scene and showed no signs of impairment, the sheriff’s office reported. The sheriff’s office Crash Reconstruction Unit was called in by the Ocean Pines police to handle the investigation.

Shellenberger was taken to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy. After the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Worcester County States Attorney’s Office for review, the sheriff’s office3 said. Anyone with information about the crash should contact Sgt. Chris Larmore of the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 410-632-1111.

Ocean Pines Lt. Shakhan Toppin said Brasure has been with OPA Police for 27 years – since 1995. Toppin was named Officer of the Year at the same ceremony last year.

“His dedication to duty, his work ethic, and his commitment to the community were factors I considered when I nominated him for this prestigious award, which was given by the American Legion,” Toppin said.

The Legion hosts annual recognition ceremonies for local police, firefighters, EMS, and Coast Guard workers.

The Ocean Pines Police Department is currently hiring officers. Police academy candidates are also welcome to apply.

To download an application, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/10184/89280/EmploymentApplication-Form-Revised.pdf.

Applications may be dropped off at the Ocean Pines Police Station on 239 Ocean Parkway or emailed to stoppin@oceanpines.org.