Anne Arundel Teens Charged in Thefts from Ocean City Stores

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A cell phone reportedly left behind by two Anne Arundel County teenagers suspected of stealing from an Ocean City store led police to the pair, who now face multiple theft and drug charges.

Employees at the Cool Topics store on the town’s Boardwalk told police Friday that two people, later identified as Joel Swabon, 19, of Pasadena, and a 17-year-old Annapolis girl, had tried to steal several items from the business.

When a store employee confronted the teens, a struggle ensued and Swabon allegedly bit the clerk on the hand, reports The Dispatch. The two suspects then fled the store, but left a cell phone behind.

Police answered the phone later and posed as a vacationer who arranged to meet the caller to return the phone. At the meeting police learned which motel Swabon was staying at and arrested him for stealing about $320 worth of necklaces, sunglasses and seashells from several stores.

Swabon is charged with six counts of theft less than $100, second-degree assault, possession of an assisted-opening knife and theft scheme less than $1,000. He was released on $15,000 bond.

The 17-year-old girl reportedly with him was also charged with six counts of theft less than $100, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft scheme less than $1,000. She was released to a guardian.

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