WCBC

June 12th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

 Attempted Robbery Arrest

On 06/11/2015 at approximately 8:20 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 400 block of Grand Avenue in reference to a male subject later identified as James Douglas Welsh creating a disturbance.  Upon the officers arrival contact was made with the complainant who stated that Welsh was at the rear of his residence trying to start a fight with him.  The complainant stated that Welsh threw rocks at his house, one of the rocks caused damage to a wooden deck board.  The complainant also stated that one of the larger rocks that Welsh threw nearly struck the complainant’s three year old grandchild.  The complainant stated that Welsh threatened to burn his garage down which is located at the rear of the residence.  A witness was also contacted who provided the officer with the same statement of events. 

As the officer began checking the area for Welsh he was observed walking almost one block away.  The officer could hear Welsh yelling and screaming from that distance away.  Additional officers arrived on the scene and as one of the officers’s approached the area of Third Street and Arch Street he observed Welsh grabbing and struggling with another subject attempting to rob him of his bicycle.  The officer immediately approached and told Welsh to stop, that he was under arrest.  Welsh cursed at the officer then took off running.  A brief foot pursuit ensued before Welsh stopped and stated the he was “just playing”.  The officer placed Welsh’s hands behind his back at which time Welsh began to resist by tensing his body, not letting the officer place handcuffs on him.  A second officer arrived to assist and Welsh was placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters for processing.  Welsh was later taken for his initial appearance at District Court and was held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.

Officers were later contacted by a second resident who also resides in the 400 block of Grand Avenue.  This subject stated that Welsh also caused damage to her fence during his outburst.

Arrested:

James Douglas Welsh – age 37 – Cumberland, MD

Charges:

-Robbery.

-Attempted theft.

-Second degree assault.

-Two counts of destruction of property.

-Two counts of disturbing the peace.

-Two counts of disorderly conduct.

-Resisting arrest.

-Arson threat.

-Resisting arrest.