Published: May 09, 2008 11:02 pm         

C3I arrests city armed robbery suspect

Stolen goods recovered, some may have been sold

An 18-year-old Cumberland man was arrested Friday on numerous charges related to a series of crimes that occurred in the LaVale and Cumberland areas that began during the summer of 2007, according to C3I.

C3I investigators served an arrest warrant on Seth Matthew Kline, charging him with armed robbery, first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, five counts of felony theft, five counts of misdemeanor theft, three counts of rogue and vagabond and numerous other related charges, police said.

The armed robbery, assault and reckless endangerment charges are a result of an incident that occurred on August 21, 2007, when a Wills Creek Avenue resident returned home and discovered an unknown suspect in his residence, according to police reports. As the victim attempted to restrain the suspect while calling police, the suspect produced a folding knife with a four- to five-inch blade, police said. The victim released the suspect who then fled the area. A search of the area was conducted, but police were unable to locate the suspect at that time. Forensic evidence was collected from the scene, which later connected Kline to the incident, police said.

The remainder of the charges stem from a series of thefts from residences and vehicles throughout the LaVale and Cumberland areas. C3I Investigators said Kline entered several residences and numerous vehicles and stole numerous items including firearms, military memorabilia, bicycles, I-pods, GPS units, cell phones, DVDs, video games, jewelry and cash.

Many of the crimes occured in residences that Kline had been in previously through relationships with the people who lived there, or with friends of the residents.

After his arrest, Kline was taken before a district court commissioner for an initial appearance and was being held Friday night at the Allegany County Detention Center on a $60,000 bond.

C3I Investigators have recovered a large number of the items reported stolen by the victims and learned that Kline sold many of the items. Investigators are asking anyone who may have unknowingly purchased any of the stolen items from Kline to contact C3I at (301) 777-0326. The investigation is continuing.