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Cumberland Man Arrested On Arson & Other Charges

October 10th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at 8:02 am, Cumberland Police and Cumberland Fire Units were dispatched to the 200 block of Pear Street for a structure fire.  While en route, officers were further advised that there was a male at the residence intentionally setting it on fire. 

When officers arrived they located the suspect identified as Shaun Brooks, age 41 of Cumberland, Maryland, throwing items from a second story window.  Officers further observed smoke coming from the residence and heard the smoke alarms inside the residence activated.  Officers ultimately located an open door in the rear of the residence where they observed Brooks lighting objects on fire.  Officers ordered Brooks to stop and show his hands, but he would not comply.  Officers then entered the residence where they attempted to take Brooks into custody.  Brooks continued to refuse to comply with officers and resisted their attempt to take him into custody.  After a brief struggle, officers were able to take him into custody and remove him from the residence.  One officer was assaulted during the incident, but did not need medical attention. Once Brooks was in custody, the Cumberland Fire Department was able to enter the home and address the fires started by Brooks.

Officers investigating the incident learned that Brooks was intoxicated and angry at an individual who resided at the residence.  Brooks being enraged then began setting fires inside the residence placing the occupants in danger.  The occupants were able to extinguish some of the fires and escape unharmed before officers arrived on the scene.  Subsequently, Brooks was arrested and charged with three counts of malicious destruction of property less than $1000, first degree arson, two counts of intoxicated endangerment, arson threat, obstructing firefighters, resisting arrest, and second degree assault. Brooks was later taken to District Court for his Initial Appearance and held without bond.

Cumberland Police were assisted at the scene by the Cumberland Fire Department, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, and the State of Maryland Fire Marshalls Office.

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