January 28th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

On Friday, Cumberland City Police responded to the 900 blk. of Grand Avenue for an assault complaint. 

When the officer arrived, contact was made with the victim that alleged he was assaulted by his downstairs neighbor and he was extremely intoxicated.  When the officer went to speak with the neighbor who was identified as Joseph Allen Smith, he noticed that Smith’s apartment was full of smoke and he could tell the source of whatever was burning was coming from the kitchen area.  The officers knocked and announced his presence several times to awaken Smith who was observed sleeping on the floor. 

Eventually, officers decided to make entry fearing Smith’s was life may be in danger.  Upon entry, the officer attempted to get Smith awake and get him out of the residence to safety.  The officer after several attempts was able to get a response from Smith who just looked at him and went back to sleep.  More attempts were made to get Smith awake and at one point Smith struck the officer with his fist and elbow.  Smith was placed in custody and taken to safety. 

The Cumberland City Fire Department also responded and the source of the smoke was determined to be from food that Smith had placed into the oven prior to falling asleep.  Smith was taken to the Cumberland City Police Department and charged with assault and disorderly conduct.

Jospeh Allen Smith, age; 28, Cumberland, Maryland.
Charges:  Assault 2nd, disorderly conduct.