BALTIMORE — A Baltimore City firefighter that was on medical leave is facing multiple burglary charges after allegedly stealing multiple items from firehouses across the city.
Baltimore City Police say 34-year-old Douglas Ellsworth Cloman II was seen walking into a fire station in the 2600 block of Washington Boulevard Wednesday morning around 3:20. Police say members of the firehouse reported seeing an unknown man in a firefighters uniform walking around without permission.
A fellow firefighter reportedly approached the man and he quickly ran away. The firefighters told police they checked their belongings and someone realized her wallet was missing.
Baltimore City Fire Stations were alerted all over the city to make sure they were all secure.
Later that morning, around 4:20, police were called to another firehouse in the 5800 block of Bel Air Road after the station reported numerous items had been stolen. The captain spoke with police and told them the suspect description actually matched one of their firefighters. Soon after police arrived, Cloman tried to enter the firehouse but was unable to because the locks were changed.
Cloman spoke with the officers and told them he was at the station to wash his uniform, but they later discovered he was on medical leave. He was then taken into custody and interviewed by detectives.
Further investigations revealed Cloman had keys to various firehouses all over the city and had a chainsaw that was stolen from a truck as well as a wallet that did not belong to him.
Cloman has been charged with several counts of fourth-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, and theft. He is currently in Central Booking waiting to see a court commissioner.
Baltimore City Firefighters Local 734 President released the following statement on the theft incident:
The Baltimore Firefighters Local 734 is aware of the unfortunate situation involving one of our own members. We cannot make any statements or comments at this time on an active and ongoing investigation that is being conducted by the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore City Fire Department. Our Local would like to reassure the public that the only thefts we are aware of have occurred at Baltimore City Fire Stations. This incident does not represent or reflect the women and men of the BCFD or IAFF Local 734. We would like to sincerely apologize for the breach of trust to our citizens, however be reassured that we will continue to serve our community with our motto of “Pride Protecting People”.
