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Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials say an ATF ignitable liquid detection K9 named Jessie played a key role in determining that a fire in Glen Burnie was intentionally set—leading to the arrest and guilty plea of Ernesto Sifuentes.
Crews responded to the 7800 block of Foxfarm Lane on October 14, 2023, after flames broke out in a home and vehicle, authorities said. Once the fire was extinguished, investigators called in K9 Jessie to assist in determining the cause.
The aftermath of the fire
Jessie quickly sniffed out the presence of an ignitable liquid on the roof of the burned vehicle, officials said. That discovery helped investigators collect DNA, surveillance footage, and other evidence linking Sifuentes to the crime.
Detectives later determined that Sifuentes fled the state following the incident. With help from the Anne Arundel County Police Department, authorities tracked him down and took him into custody.
Sifuentes has since pleaded guilty to first-degree malicious burning and reckless endangerment.
Officials praised the investigative efforts that led to the arrest, highlighting Jessie’s role in cracking the case.
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