OCEAN CITY - On May 29 at approximately 2:22 a.m., the Ocean City Police and Fire Departments responded to the Brighton Place beach for a lifeguard boat on fire.

Information was received from a witness that three white males were seen starting the fire on the beach.

As the officers arrived, the witness provided additional information about the direction of travel of the suspects and clothing description.

The officers were able to locate two of the suspects hiding in the dunes a short distance from the boat fire.

The two suspects were positively identified by the witness as the males that were seen setting fire to the boat.

A short time later after additional investigation at the scene and interviews of the suspects the police responded to an address in the 900 block of Brighton Place.

The officers were able to locate the third suspect and take him into custody.

All suspects were arrested and charged on warrants issued by Judge Richard Russell, in the amount of $1,000.00 full cash bail.

The lifeguard boat is valued at $9,000.00.

The investigation was conducted by Det. Stephen Schaffer, Ptl. John Vogt, Ptl. Tom Finnegan and Sgt. Fred Alford.
ARRESTED:

1) Brandon M Pastell, age 21, Fredericksburg, Va..
2) Timothy F. Ogrady, age 23, Hershey, Pa.
3) Samuel W. Datta, age 20, Centreville, Va.

CHARGES: 1) Aggravated Arson 20:17-1A $1,000.00 bail
(2nd Degree)