April 1st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

On 03/30/2016, at 7:59 PM, the Cumberland Police responded to Fort Cumberland Homes for a reported shooting. When Officers arrived they learned that several suspects had approached another group of individuals who were standing in a common area between the residential buildings. One of the suspects produced a handgun and fired several shots at the victims. The suspects and the victims all fled the scene.

            A search of the area for the suspects, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police, the Allegany County Sheriff's Office, and a Cumberland Police K-9 dog was conducted, but the suspects were not located at that time.

            Investigators with the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. Several spent shell casings were recovered from the scene, as well as other evidence related to the incident.

            Investigators interviewed a number of witnesses and reviewed surveillance video.  Investigators also served search warrants on a private residence and vehicle and recovered additional evidence.

            As a result, Investigators were able to identify the suspects. On 03/31/2016 warrants were obtained, and members of C3I, with the assistance of the Cumberland Police Department CERT team, arrested 22 year old Mark Antonio Brown, Jr., of Cumberland, and 18 year old Nickoli Dundar Cakus, of Cumberland. Both were charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, 1st Degree Assault, and related charges.

            Brown and Cakus were taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance and are currently being held at the Allegany County Detention Center without bond, pending their next court appearances.

            Additional arrests are pending. The investigation is continuing by the Cumberland Police and C3I.