Community tips and a coordinated search led to two arrests after suspects fled into wooded terrain.
CUMBERLAND, MD – A disturbance call in the Corriganville area on Friday quickly escalated into a multi-agency search that ended with two men in custody, aided by residents who alerted deputies to a suspect attempting to escape on foot. The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office said both individuals fled before deputies arrived, prompting a search that stretched from a nearby business to a wooded hillside.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies later found the suspects’ vehicle abandoned behind a Corriganville business. One individual emerged from the woods during the search and was detained, while the second suspect continued to flee on foot.
Public assistance helps locate second suspect
Authorities said passing motorists played a critical role in the second arrest. “Citizens stopped their cars in the roadway and alerted deputies to another individual seen running away and trying to climb a nearby hillside,” the sheriff’s office stated. Deputies responded to the location, where additional residents pointed out the suspect as he attempted to escape.
With assistance from Maryland State Police Trooper 5, deputies apprehended the second individual on the hillside. Officials confirmed the suspect had an active arrest warrant from Washington County.
Charges and custody details
The sheriff’s office reported that both men were taken into custody and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center pending initial court appearances. “As a result of this incident the following individuals were arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center pending their initial appearance,” the agency said.
Robert Pettaway, 32, of Hagerstown, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Jeffrey Pettaway, 34, of Corriganville, was charged with providing a false statement to an officer, harboring a fleeing felon, and interfering with an arrest.
Officials emphasized the role of community involvement in resolving the incident. “The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for the tips and assistance provided during this incident,” the agency said.
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