Maryland News

Cumberland Police Blotter: Here’s What’s Happening

CUMBERLAND, MD – A pair of assault arrests made by the Cumberland Police Department last week highlight increasing concerns over violence in the area.

On Friday evening, at approximately 9:30 PM, officers responded to a residence on Independence Street following reports of an assault. Officers discovered a victim who stated that he had been attacked by 48-year-old Jeremy Lee Thomas. The victim showed visible injuries, prompting further investigation.

Police attempted to arrest Thomas, who resisted their efforts. After a brief struggle, officers took him into custody. Thomas requested to be transported to the hospital by the Cumberland Fire Department. Once he was released, he allegedly assaulted an officer and was transported to Central Booking.

Following a bond hearing with a District Court Commissioner, Thomas is being held at the Allegany County Detention Center. He faces charges of second-degree assault (twice) and resisting arrest.

The following day, Saturday, at around 12:20 PM, officers received a disturbance call from a residence on Homer Street. Officers found a victim reporting an assault by 36-year-old Jacob Lee Haines. The victim also had visible injuries.

Authorities placed Haines under arrest, and he was later transported to Central Booking. After being seen by a District Court Commissioner, Haines was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. He faces charges of second-degree assault and second-degree child abuse.

Recent events underline ongoing concerns about safety and violence within the community as police respond to a spate of domestic disturbances.

Ocean City couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

Ocean City couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

BALTIMORE, MD — A couple from Ocean City won $50,000 while playing the Maryland Lottery Deluxe Crossword 10th Edition scratch-off. The husband claimed the prize on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

The couple follows a specific system for playing the Lottery, with the husband purchasing the tickets and the wife scratching them. He bought the $5 crossword game at the Royal Farms in Berlin, and his wife discovered that they had won a top prize.

“She smiled, and then she gave it back to me,” the husband said. His responsibility was to claim the prize as he works in construction.

The couple enjoyed dinner at Waterman’s Seafood in West Ocean City to celebrate their win. The Royal Farms store in Berlin will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.

The Deluxe Crossword 10th Edition was released less than a month ago, featuring eight top prizes at the $50,000 level. After the couple’s win, seven top prizes remain, along with numerous others in the range of $5 to $10,000.

The couple’s method of playing appears effective, regardless of their winnings.

With a big winner under their belt, the couple’s routine of playing the Lottery continues.

Hagerstown man arrested after setting fire in storage unit, injuring woman

Hagerstown man arrested after setting fire in storage unit, injuring woman

HAGERSTOWN, MD — A Hagerstown man was arrested for allegedly setting a fire inside a storage unit that resulted in injuries to a female victim early Thursday morning. Authorities report that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Leviathan Godwin, engaged in an argument with the victim prior to the incident.

Emergency responders from Halfway Volunteer Fire Company received a call about a building fire at Halfway Self Storage located at 17324 Virginia Avenue at approximately 8:00 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find an 8-by-40-foot storage unit engulfed in flames but managed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby units.

Deputy State Fire Marshals quickly arrived on the scene and learned that the victim, who lived in the storage unit, had to escape through flames after Godwin allegedly ignited the fire with the intention of killing her. Fire officials transported the victim to Meritus Medical Center for smoke inhalation treatment.

Deputies distributed a photo of Godwin in the vicinity, leading to a sighting at a nearby Sheetz convenience store where he was taken into custody without incident. “I am grateful that the victim sustained only minor injuries,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

Godwin faces multiple charges including first and second-degree arson, attempted second-degree murder, and reckless endangerment. He is currently held at the Washington County Detention Center.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds the public that storage units are not suitable for habitation and can pose safety risks. Officials encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to seek safer housing options.

A Hagerstown man faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to kill a woman in a fire, marking a potential tragedy that left a victim injured but alive.