December 2nd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

On Thursday at 4:34 AM officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Pennsylvania Street residence for a report of gunshots.  Upon arrival officers observed a man run from the building and gave chase.  The man, identified as Alex Sweeney, age 25 of Mt. Vernon, NY, was apprehended a short distance away after a foot pursuit. 

Immediately after Sweeney was apprehended a fire broke out in the same residence that Sweeney was seen running from.  The Cumberland Fire Department then responded and extinguished the fire.  After the fire was extinguished investigators discovered the deceased body of an unknown person among the fire debris. 

In addition to the Cumberland Police Department and the Cumberland Fire Department also responding to the scene and assisting in the investigation is the Allegany Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, the Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Maryland State Police. 

Investigators worked throughout the day and as a result of the investigation additional evidence was developed linking Alex Sweeney to the murder of the occupant.

Alex Sweeney was subsequently charged with first degree murder.   At the time of this press release he was awaiting his initial appearance.    

Investigation into this matter is ongoing.  Anyone having any information is asked to please contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600, cpd@cumberlandmd.gov or facebook.com/CumberlandPD.