January 16th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

On Monday, January 16, 2017 at approximately 12:04 a.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 1000 block of Shades Lane in reference to a hit and run.

Upon the officers arrival to the area the “at fault” vehicle was observed resting on its side against a tree and partially over an embankment. Investigation into the crash revealed that this vehicle struck another parked, unoccupied vehicle on Shades Lane causing substantial damage. The vehicle also struck and destroyed a mailbox along this portion of Shades Lane.

The at fault vehicle continued approximately 75 yards before crashing out of control at its final resting spot. One occupant of the vehicle was trapped inside the vehicle, but was conscious and alert. Officers observed a small amount of smoke coming from the vehicle; for the safety of this lone occupant officers were able to get him out of the vehicle safely.

The occupant was identified as Kenneth Warren Wilkinson, 37 years old, Cumberland, MD. Wilkinson was treated and checked by the Cumberland Fire Department Ambulance Crew on the scene, he refused any further medical care. Wilkinson advised officers of the first name of the operator of the vehicle. Wilkinson was subsequently arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant from Pennsylvania. Wilkinson was wanted for a violation of parole. He was served with the warrant, taken to District Court and held at the Allegany County Detention Center, awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania.

An independent witness approached the scene and told officers that the operator of the vehicle fled the scene on foot, a direction of travel was provided. The witness was able to partially identify the operator by his first name. Officers began a check of the area, looking for the operator. The vehicle registration and listed owner information led them to a nearby residence where they made contact with Thomas Victor Lancaster 4th, 20 years old, Cumberland, MD. Lancaster was identified as the operator of the “at fault” vehicle. Officers observed fresh injuries on Lancaster which were minor in nature and looked to be a result from the crash. Officers asked him about his injuries and he stated that he had an accident. Officers detected and observed signs of impairment while talking to Lancaster.

As a result Lancaster was arrested for placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run. Lancaster was transported to police headquarters for processing. The Cumberland Fire Department Ambulance Crew was requesting to check Lancaster due to his minor injuries resulting from the crash. Lancaster then became uncooperative and argumentative and refused treatment.

Lancaster was with the following; -2 counts of failure of vehicle driver to stop after unattended vehicle damage accident. -2 counts of vehicle driver in accident to locate and notify owner of unattended vehicle damage. -Failure of vehicle driver involved in an accident to give insurance policy information. -Driving vehicle in excess of a reasonable and prudent speed on a highway. -Failure to control speed on a highway to avoid a collision. -Negligent driving. -Reckless driving. -Driving vehicle in violation of license restriction. -Driving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. -Driving while impaired by alcohol. -Driving motor vehicle with alcohol in blood in violation of a license restriction (under the age of 21). -Civil citation of underage possession of alcohol. Later in the morning Lancaster was taken to District Court for his initial appearance and was released on his personal recognizance.