CUMBERLAND — Two Allegany County sheriff’s deputies were honored at Thursday’s meeting of Allegany County commissioners for their part in capturing three suspects in the breaking and entering of homes and vehicles in the Frostburg area.
Allegany County Sheriff Craig Robertson took the podium and praised Deputy Kraig Simpson and Cpl. Shawn McBee’s work as he presented them with dedicated service awards.
“Sometimes, law enforcement is only as good as the citizens that we serve. We rely on information and tips provided to us by the public. In this case, Deputy Simpson was able to piece together this information, which resulted in the closure of numerous open cases,” Robertson said.
The investigations became more urgent as the break-ins became more intrusive and violent.
“... on Jan. 8, 2012, these incidents sparked a greater concern when a burglary occurred when the home owner was asleep inside the residence,” Robertson said.
The victim awoke to find numerous items, including his vehicle, stolen. McBee and Simpson were called to investigate the incident. Simpson was able to develop a suspect, but didn’t have enough evidence to make an arrest, Robertson said.
A month later, on Feb. 8 in the early morning, the situation became even more dangerous as intruders entered a home.
“This time the homeowner and his grandson heard a noise inside the home and went to investigate. As they entered an attached garage, the homeowner was confronted with the intruder, who struck the homeowner with an object. The intruder then assaulted the grandson as he fled from the residence,” Robertson said.
Simpson and McBee were on duty and were dispatched. Since Simpson had an idea about a suspect, he set up surveillance at the suspect’s home and soon saw the suspect leaving a wooded area. Simpson was able to arrest the suspect, and eventually, many of the stolen items were recovered.
Robertson closed his remarks by reflecting on the importance of the public’s help in investigations.
“As always, I ask that the public contact us with any information they may have in regard to criminal activity. Sometimes that information may not be enough to act on, but please don’t be discouraged, it just may be the piece of the puzzle that we need,” Robertson said.
At the meeting, commissioners also honored Danny Williams, who usually leads the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at commission meetings. Williams has led the pledge since the current board of commissioners took office two years ago.
“I value your friendship and thank you,” said commission president Michael McKay. McKay said he’d recently been to Ground Zero in New York City and handed a gift to Williams. Inside the bag was an “FDNY” commemorative hat, standing for the Fire Department of New York City. The hat had a 9/11 memorial logo on the side.
Williams is president of the Mount Savage Water Co. and a longtime member and leader in the town’s fire company.
Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com.
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