Worcester County Sheriff urges residents to remain vigilant following reports of suspicious activity at Sharp Energy Facility in Princess Anne

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to remain vigilant following reports of suspicious activity at the Sharp Energy Facility Plant in Princess Anne.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday, January 3, when an employee at the facility observed a dark blue Tesla parked in the middle of a side road entrance. The vehicle, with no visible registration, was occupied by individuals described as being of Middle Eastern descent. Two of the occupants exited the car carrying advanced cameras with long lenses and began photographing storage tanks and rail cars. Upon being noticed, the individuals quickly returned to the vehicle and fled the area. A third passenger may have been seated in the rear of the car.

Authorities emphasize the importance of community awareness, citing the potential safety risks associated with propane, a highly flammable material.

Sheriff’s Office Warning: What to Watch For

The Sheriff’s Office has provided guidelines for identifying and reporting unusual behavior around propane facilities:

• Unfamiliar individuals loitering near storage or distribution sites.
• Unmarked vehicles parked for extended periods.
• Unauthorized attempts to access restricted areas.
• Suspicious actions, such as photographing or inspecting tanks and equipment.

How the Community Can Help

Authorities are asking residents to take the following steps to ensure public safety:

1. Stay Alert: Remain observant, particularly if you live or work near propane storage or distribution facilities.
2. Report Suspicious Activity: Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. Provide detailed descriptions of individuals, vehicles, or behavior.
3. Avoid Confrontation: Do not approach or interact with suspicious individuals. Prioritize your safety and allow authorities to handle the situation.

The Sheriff’s Office stresses the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure. Anyone with information about the incident or other suspicious activity is encouraged to come forward.