October 31st, 2022 by WCBC Radio

On Monday October 31, 2022 a Deputy with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and erratically changing lanes on Interstate 68 heading into Cumberland. After initiating a traffic stop on the vehicle, the Deputy observed the female driver to display behavior that indicated that she was scared of her male passenger who was also displaying aggressive behavior. The Deputy was able to get the female to exit the vehicle and she informed the Deputy that she was scared of the male passenger because of something he had just done to her.

The Deputy and a Cumberland City Police Officer made contact with the male passenger identified as 37 year old James Christopher Haines of Cumberland. James was argumentative with law enforcement, and after he exited the vehicle he assaulted the Sheriff's Deputy. While attempting to place James under arrest, he resisted law enforcement and also assaulted the Cumberland City Police Officer. After James was successfully taken into custody, the Deputy learned from the female that while she was driving down the interstate, James broke the rear view mirror off of the windshield and struck her in the face with it which caused her to drive erratically. Evidence at the scene cooroborated her statement.

James Christopher Haines was charged with domestic assault, reckless endangerment, assault on police, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. Mr. Haines is pending his initial court appearance.