OCEAN CITY, Md. — A Ridgely man was sentenced to a decade in prison on November 8 after being found guilty of first-degree assault in a violent 2022 boardwalk attack that left three people injured.
Paul Baynard, 26, was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration, with all but 10 years suspended, by Judge Beau Oglesby, who also imposed three years of supervised probation upon Baynard’s release. The sentencing followed a lengthy investigation into the June 20, 2022, stabbings near Wicomico Street and Atlantic Avenue.
The chaotic incident began with a fight between two groups and ended with three victims suffering stab wounds. Ocean City police and emergency medical responders arrived at the scene and transported the injured individuals to hospitals, where all were later reported to have recovered.
Investigators identified Baynard as the primary suspect through surveillance footage, social media analysis, and witness interviews. His arrest on June 29, 2022, involved coordination between the Maryland State Apprehension Team and U.S. Marshal’s Task Force.
Baynard faced multiple charges, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment, but was ultimately convicted of first-degree assault. Officials said the investigation demonstrated a coordinated effort by Ocean City detectives and other law enforcement agencies to bring closure to the case.