Cumberland man charged after police headquarters scuffle following nonprofit vandalism arrest
Cumberland, MD – A man arrested for allegedly smashing property at a nonprofit center downtown ended up damaging police headquarters during a failed attempt to flee custody, authorities said Tuesday.
Seth Ryan Michael, 28, of Burlington, West Virginia, was taken into custody on Tuesday in connection with a warrant stemming from a reported destruction of property incident on Saturday. Police say Michael intentionally caused an estimated $2,000 in damage at a nonprofit organization located in the 600 block of North Centre Street.
Officers located and arrested Michael without incident, initially holding him at the Cumberland Police Department before transporting him to the Allegany County Detention Center. However, police say while being prepped for transport, Michael attempted to pull away and escape, resulting in a brief struggle that left property inside police headquarters damaged.
The confrontation led to additional charges, including second-degree escape, resisting and interfering with arrest, and a second count of destruction of property. Michael remains held on a temporary commitment at the Allegany County Detention Center as of Wednesday.
No injuries were reported in the incident. The nonprofit involved in the initial vandalism has not been publicly identified.
The destruction charges stem from two separate incidents—one at the nonprofit and the other inside the police facility. Each involved damage estimated under $1,000.
Michael’s case is pending in Allegany County District Court.
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Key Points
- Seth Ryan Michael, 28, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for damaging a nonprofit’s property
- During booking, he attempted to escape, damaging police headquarters in the process
- He faces multiple charges and is being held at Allegany County Detention Center