A Cumberland man is facing multiple charges after police say he provided a false identity, fled from an officer, and attempted to ingest suspected drugs during a foot pursuit.
A Cumberland man was arrested Thursday after allegedly trespassing on railroad property, fleeing from police, and attempting to destroy evidence during a brief chase, according to the Cumberland Police Department.
The incident unfolded on June 18 when an officer patrolling the area of East Industrial Boulevard and Springdale Street observed a man walking on CSX railroad property.
Suspect allegedly gave officer a false name
Police said the officer stopped the individual, who identified himself as “Aaron Smith” during the encounter.
As the investigation continued, the man fled on foot near Queen Street, prompting the officer to initiate a brief pursuit.
“The officer contacted the male, who identified himself as ‘Aaron Smith,'” the Cumberland Police Department said in a statement. “During the encounter, the subject fled on foot near Queen Street.”
Police say suspect attempted to ingest suspected drugs
During the chase, the suspect allegedly attempted to ingest a suspected controlled dangerous substance and was found in possession of suspected drug paraphernalia.
Investigators later positively identified the suspect as Zachary Patrick Stewart, 39, of Cumberland.
“During the pursuit, the subject attempted to ingest a suspected controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and was found possessing suspected CDS paraphernalia,” police said.
Multiple charges filed
Stewart was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center for an initial court appearance.
He has been charged with trespassing on railroad property, obstructing and hindering, altering physical evidence, fraudulent identification to avoid prosecution, and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.
The charges are allegations, and Stewart is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Cumberland police arrested a 39-year-old man after a foot chase near East Industrial Boulevard and Queen Street.
• Investigators say the suspect gave a false name and attempted to ingest suspected drugs while fleeing from an officer.
• Zachary Patrick Stewart faces charges including trespassing on railroad property, altering physical evidence, and fraudulent identification.
Cumberland Police Department, Zachary Patrick Stewart, Cumberland Maryland, East Industrial Boulevard, Queen Street, Allegany County Detention Center, railroad trespassing, Maryland arrests, CDS paraphernalia