Maryland Officer Killed in Cruiser Crash

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. -- Frederick Police have arrested the man they believe is responsible for the early morning crash that killed Frederick Police Officer Richard Bremer.

Police say they found James Sweeney, Jr. of Frederick, at a hotel on the west side of the city.

Authorities matched a vehicle description gathered during the investigation with Sweeney's vehicle. He was arrested at Masser Motel. Investigators say Frederick Police Officer Richard Bremer was attempting to pull Sweeney over when he refused to stop.

A short time later dispatch lost radio contact with Bremer.

Officer Bremer's police cruiser crashed into a wooded area on West South Street.

During the accident, Bremer sustained severe injuries and was transported to the trauma unit at Washington County Hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Bremer was a husband and father of three. His youngest son is only two years old. He has a daughter in elementary school and his oldest son is in middle school.

The 39-year-old was a five-year veteran of the Frederick City Police Department and was assigned to the patrol division.

Neighbors tell NBC25 Officer Bremer was extremely dedicated to both his family and his job. He was often seen playing outside with his kids, and he was a role model to other children in the neighborhood.

Sweeney had been charged in August of this year for theft, according to court documents. He had a court date and failed to appear. That's why a warrant was out for his arrest.

Sweeney is in custody, but charges have not yet been filed. Frederick County State's Attorney Charlie Smith says his office has approved 16 charges to be placed against him, including fleeing and eluding police officer resulting in death, which is a misdemeanor crime that carries a 10-year sentence.

Frederick City Police and the Frederick County Sheriff's Office are still working on the accident reconstruction to determine what led to Officer Bremer's death. Smith says Sweeney could face more serious charges depending on the outcome of the investigation.

West South Street from East Street to Hamilton Street will remain closed indefinitely.

Officer Bremer will be honored Friday evening at the police department's gala celebrating their 150th anniversary of service to the community.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that any monetary donations be made to the Mark Bremer Memorial Fund at:

Fraternal Order of Police FSK Lodge 91
P.O. Box 808
Frederick, MD 21705
Attn: Charlie Snyder

Funeral information:

Monday, October 27 Wake Service 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Holy Family Catholic Church, Middletown, Md.

Tuesday, October 28 Wake Service 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Holy Family Catholic Church, Middletown, Md.

Wednesday, October 29 Funeral Mass 11 a.m. Holy Family Catholic Church, Middletown, Md.

Burial Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick, Md.

Republished with permission of WHAG-TV.