WCBC

December 23rd, 2012 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Police Department, along with the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I), is currently investigating a suicide that occurred in the 800 block of Maryland Avenue in which a police officer witnessed the act.  An officer on patrol was traveling south on Maryland Avenue when they observed an individual walking in the 800 block.  The officer recognized this individual as being wanted on an outstanding warrant.  The officer pulled alongside the individual in order to make contact with him to confirm his identity and the warrant.  As the officer started to get out of the marked patrol vehicle the individual reached into a backpack and produced a handgun.  The individual pointed the weapon at the officer who took cover and drew their weapon ordering the individual to drop the gun.  The individual then pointed the weapon at himself, squeezed the trigger, killing himself instantly.  The individual was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cumberland Fire Department and the medical examiner’s office.  The 800 block of Maryland Avenue is currently closed as the scene is being processed by a Maryland State Police Crime Scene Technician.  The individual’s identity will not be released at this time pending notification to the next of kin.