October 16th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

On October 15, 2025, officers responded to the 800 block of Shriver Avenue for a report of a domestic assault. The complainant advised the suspect allegedly barricaded himself inside the residence, along with their 6-month-old child, after committing the assault.

Upon officers’ arrival, officers were able to facilitate the return of the child to the victim, and all other subjects inside the residence were escorted to a safe location. The suspect, identified as Malachi David Thorton, 28 YOA, of Cumberland, retreated back inside the residence, locking the door. While on-scene, officers determined Thornton also had an active arrest warrant. Thornton then went to a second-story window and exited on to the rooftop of the residence, with a knife in hand, and threatened officers prior to retreating back into the residence. Due to the alleged assault, the active arrest warrant, and various threatening statements made by Thorton, the Cumberland Police Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), along with Crisis Negotiators from the Cumberland Police Department, responded to the scene. Following several hours of negotiations, officers were able to take Thornton into custody without further incident. Thornton was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center to await a bond review. The Cumberland Police Department would like to thank the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this incident.