Rockville Man Charged with Assault After Kicking Victim 10+ Times

Matthew Klaff, 37, was arrested on assault charges after allegedly attacking Nicholas Crawford, 36, on the night of May 8th in Ocean City, MD. The taxi driver, who witnessed the attack, states both men were his passengers on the way to beach resort Seacrets. Klaff and Crawford got into an argument and Klaff struck Crawford in the face. Klaff then beat Crawford unconscious, pulled him out of the vehicle, kicked him more than 10 times, and left him bleeding on the road. The taxi driver called the Ocean City Police Department and gave a statement to Officer Carl Perry. Crawford was admitted to a local emergency room for his injuries. Klaff was subsequently charged with 1st and 2nd degree assault and reckless endangerment. He is currently free on bond and scheduled to appear at Ocean City District Court on July 10th for a preliminary hearing. Klaff faces a combined maximum penalty of 40 years in jail and a fine of $2,500. He also awaits trial for a DUI in an unrelated incident.