Accident Or Assault? Court Records Detail Alleged Grabbing At Dunkirk Wawa

DUNKIRK, Md. — A North Beach man is facing misdemeanor sex offense and assault charges after Maryland State Police alleged he grabbed a woman’s breast without her consent inside a Dunkirk convenience store before later telling investigators the physical contact was accidental, according to court documents.

John Daniel O’Connor, 43, of North Beach, was charged in the District Court for Calvert County with fourth-degree sex offense involving sexual contact and second-degree assault. The charges were filed July 15, 2026, through a Statement of Charges application, meaning the case was initiated through the court rather than by an on-view arrest.

According to the application for statement of charges, a Maryland State Police trooper responded at approximately 9:12 p.m. May 26, 2026, to the Wawa at 10205 Kirksville Lane in Dunkirk after receiving a report of an alleged sexual assault.

Investigators met with the alleged victim, who reported that an unknown man approached her inside the store and, without her consent, hugged her and grabbed her breast and legs. According to charging documents, the woman told investigators she was traumatized by the encounter but declined medical attention.

The responding trooper interviewed a customer who reported not witnessing the incident but confirmed that surveillance cameras were present inside the store. Investigators reviewed multiple surveillance videos, which they said showed the suspect entering the store, walking behind the alleged victim, making physical contact with her and then leaving the business. A second witness later told investigators she observed the incident and stated the suspect appeared to be accompanying a woman she believed to be his wife.

According to court records, investigators obtained digital photographs and surveillance images of the suspect from inside the Wawa. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation. Witnesses reportedly told investigators the suspect had a distinctive tattoo on the back of his neck and was known to frequent a nearby restaurant. Troopers attempted to locate him there but were unsuccessful.

On July 7, a Maryland State Police sergeant posted surveillance images from the Wawa on the Prince Frederick Barrack Facebook page in an effort to identify the individual. Two days later, investigators received information identifying the man as O’Connor. Court documents state O’Connor subsequently contacted the investigating sergeant after learning of the Facebook post and voluntarily provided his phone number.

During an interview with investigators on July 9, O’Connor was described as cooperative. According to charging documents, he acknowledged that he was the individual shown in the surveillance photographs and stated he believed the alleged victim was his girlfriend. Court records state O’Connor apologized after realizing she was not and told investigators the physical contact had been accidental and a mistake.

A summons was issued July 15, 2026, and served July 22, 2026. O’Connor is scheduled to appear for a preliminary inquiry on Aug. 31, 2026, in Calvert County District Court.

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