Police Log: 11/9
By:
Updated: November 9, 2011
Cumberland Police Department:
Washington County Sheriff:
Frederick County, MD Sheriff:
Wednesday, November 8, 2011
On 11/8/11 at 4:16pm Cumberland Police Officers on patrol stopped a vehicle on Centre Street for a traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, he said he did not have his driver's license with him and offered the officer his name. While the officer continued the investigation the suspect fled from the scene on foot. The investigating officer chased the man on foot and was able to capture him a short distance away with the assistance of a concerned citizen.
After taking the suspect into custody he was identified as James Allen Kelly, age 29, of Frostburg. James Kelly was found to be wanted on 2 outstanding arrest warrants charging him with failing to appear for court. Following his arrest a Cumberland Police Department canine dog responded to the scene and detected the presence of drugs in the vehicle the suspect was driving. A subsequent search of the vehicle was done and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine was seized.
As a result of the investigation James Kelly was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, obstructing and hindering, fleeing and eluding, driving uninsured, giving a false name to police, driving without a license, and related charges. Following his arrest James Kelly was taken before the District Court Commissioner where he was held on $30,000.00 bail.
This arrest makes the 7th drug arrest this month as a result of a traffic stop and the use of a canine dog. Further, during the month of October, the Cumberland Police patrol division made 43 drug arrests which was a 40% increase over the previous month. The increase in drug arrests can partly be attributed to the Cumberland Police Department re-vamping their canine program. The department has recently re-assigned canine "Timo" to the patrol division as well as purchasing a new canine dog, "Elmo", who has recently been placed into service. This brings the number of the department's canine teams to four including three drug detection dogs and one tracking bloodhound. The recent work of the canine teams has resulted in the seizures of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and assorted drug paraphernalia. The suspects who have been arrested have not only been from the Cumberland area but reside in Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia as well. The Cumberland Police recognizes the impact illegal drugs can have on the community and is working to identify and arrest offenders in our local area as well as their out-of-town suppliers.
"The Cumberland Police is concerned about illegal drug use in the community; enhancing our drug detection dog program is one of the tools we are excited about using to combat drug crimes."
On 11/8/11 at 6:21pm Cumberland Police Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Columbia Street for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival officers made contact with the victim who reported that he was home when a man came to his door and forced the door open and came into the house and sat on the floor. The officers then made contact with the suspect who was still sitting in the victim's home and arrested him. As a result of the investigation Sean Patrick McElwee, age 33, of Cumberland was charged with fourth degree burglary, destruction of property, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. Following his arrest Sean McElwee was taken before the District Court Commissioner where he was held on $7500.00 bail.
On 11/8/11 at 11:43am Cumberland Police officers on patrol in the Williams Street area observed Christopher Michael Comire, age 21, of Cumberland, and knew him to be wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant charging him with violation of probation. Officers then stopped Christopher Comire and began to take him into custody when he began to yell and resist arrest. Christopher Comire was eventually taken into custody after a brief struggle.
In addition to the Arrest Warrant charging him with violation of probation Christopher Comire was also charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and failure to obey a lawful order. Following his arrest Chris Comire was taken before the District Court Commissioner where he was held on $5100.00 bail.
Washington County Sheriff:
11-07-11
Burglary 11:16 17300blk Cindy Lane residence entered unknown what was taken at this time
Theft 14:16 500blk Premium Outlets Bl-Timberland shoplifting of shoes
Theft 17:49 Valley Mall-Sears shoplifting- $250.00 merchandise taken and store employee assaulted
11-08-11
MDOP 10:59 Clearspring Library Fencing around dumpsters and doors to building damaged
Theft 11:02 11100blk Lincoln Ave Rings stolen approx. 2 months ago, NFD
Theft 15:05 11500blk Selema Dr Ex-roomate took Flatscreen TV and a vanity set
MV Theft 18:03 Halfway Bl/ I-81 vehicle stolen 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pa Reg. DFY1035
Robbery 23:47 17500blk Linconshire Rd victim assaulted and cell phone was stolen
The Frederick County Fire Investigation Task Force is currently investigating a fire that occurred at a residence in the 900 block of S. Warfield Drive in Mt. Airy, MD. On 11/08/2011 shortly before 3:30 p.m., the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the residence for a report of a woman with burn injuries. Initial first responders along with neighbors quickly learned that in addition to the burn victim, the interior of the garage was on fire.
The Frederick County Fire Investigation Task Force responded to the scene shortly before 4:00 p.m. and assumed the investigation. Fire investigators have determined that the woman initially caught fire in the backyard and then walked inside of the home for help. When the victim entered the home, her father attempted to help extinguish the fire and was injured in the process. Several spot fires also ignited inside the home.
The victim, a 57 year-old female, sustained significant burn injuries. Maryland State Police Aviation transported the woman to Bayview Burn Center in Baltimore for treatment. She remains in critical condition. The burn victim's 84 year-old father sustained a minor burn to his right hand, and he was transported by ambulance to the Bayview Burn Center. He was treated and later released.
The fire scene investigation has revealed the presence of an ignitable liquid in the area where the victim caught fire, but the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage to the home is estimated at $500. DSFM Matthew Wrenn is leading the investigation. Anyone with any information about the incident should call him at 301-600-2908.
