January 31st, 2020 by WCBC Radio

On January 30, 2020, the Cumberland Police responded to the 200 block of Spring Street for an active fight.  When officers arrived they observed several people involved in an altercation.  Officers began trying to separate the parties and de-escalate the situation.  While trying to do so, Brian James, age 31 of Cumberland threw a paint can at an officer and a group of individuals involved.  At this time James and another subject began to physically fight.  The officer tried to separate the parties and take James into custody.  As the officer did so, all other parties involved in the original incident fled the area on foot.  Several units from the Maryland State Police and the Allegany County Sheriff’s office responded to assist.  All parties were located and detained while officers attempted to sort out the original incident. 

Officers investigating the incident found that the group of subjects arrived at the residence on Spring Street and began creating a disturbance.  One victim attempted to send them away and was pulled onto the porch.  The victim was then tackled off of a high porch by Rodrigo Tatum, age 18 of Cumberland, Maryland, and another individual.  The victim was then hit by multiple blunt objects that were lying on the ground where they fell.  Objects that were used to assault the victim broke as a result of being used as a weapon.

As a result of the incident, Brian James was arrested and charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and affray.  Rodrigo Tatum was also arrested and charged with assault 2^nd degree, reckless endangerment, two counts of destruction of property, disorderly conduct, and affray.  Charges are also pending for other individuals involved in the incident.  Both James and Tatum were later taken to the Allegany County Detention Center to await their Initial Appearance.