August 19th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
On Sunday, August 18th, 2024, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the ten-digit block of Virginia Avenue for the report of a kidnapping. While en route to the call, Officers were advised a male, who was later identified as Joshua Michael Clark Sr., had an active Final Protective Order barring him from being at the residence and contacting any of the protected persons. The Final Order also removed parental custody of the protected child from Clark. Officers were advised Clark came to the residence, grabbed the protected child, and ran towards the area of Boone Street. Officers arrived in the area and were directed by several bystanders to the area where Clark was last seen. Given the seriousness of the crime, the Cumberland Police Department requested the assistance of the Maryland State Police Aviation Unit Trooper 5 and the Mountain Maryland Search and Rescue team. Additionally, Members of the allied agencies, Maryland State Police Barrack C and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, rushed to the scene to assist in locating the suspect. After a thorough search of the area, Officers observed Clark running through yards and alleyways, fleeing from the scene. Officers gave chase to Clark and were able to apprehend him in the area of Grand Avenue. Clark was apprehended and the juvenile was returned safely back to their mother. Clark was arrested and taken to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is awaiting his initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
The Cumberland Police Department would like to express our gratitude to our allied agencies. Your swift response and allocation of manpower allowed for the best outcome of this incident. The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Barrack, Maryland State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper 5, and Mountain Maryland Search and Rescue Team
Arrest: Joshua Michael Clark Sr., age 29, Cumberland, Maryland
Charges: Kidnapping, Kidnapping Person Under 16, Assault 2nd degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing and Hindering, Disorderly Conduct, Violating Protective Order.
