CUMBERLAND — The man who shot and killed himself Saturday after being confronted by a Cumberland police officer on Maryland Avenue was William Bruce Swift, 51, most recently of 625 Maryland Ave., according to C3I investigators.
A little before noon that day, a patrolling officer recognized Swift as having outstanding warrants.
In a press release that day, Cumberland Police Department wrote, “As the officer started to get out of the marked patrol vehicle the individual reached into a backpack and produced a handgun. The individual pointed the weapon at the officer who took cover and drew a weapon ordering the individual to drop the gun. The individual then pointed the weapon at himself, squeezed the trigger, killing himself instantly.”
The shot was to Swift’s head and the incident took place in the 800 block of Maryland Ave.
The warrant issued for Swift was for failing to appear in court to face charges from Feb. 17: obstructing firefighters, disturbing the peace, assault and resisting arrest.
On that day, police officers responding to a fire scene at 627-629 Maryland Ave. took Swift, a neighbor of the burning building, into custody. Officers physically subdued Swift after he ignored their orders and attempted to enter the home that was on fire.
Authorities finally released Swift’s name as the suicide victim after trying unsuccessfully since Saturday to find and notify his next of kin. He is believed to be originally from Prince George’s County. Swift’s only other Maryland court record online is from 1993 in that county when he was found not guilty of concealing a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
Anyone who can help locate Swift’s family members is asked to contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600 or C3I at 301-777-0326.
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