Officers responded to the 600 block of Hemlock Court on Saturday, Dec. 7 at around 4:15 a.m. after a call taker overheard someone making arson threats during a 911 call, police said.
Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect, identified as Michael Darnel Lassiter, 59, was reportedly attempting to ignite a fire using the oven, stove burners, and cooking oil.
According to a witness, Lassiter’s actions endangered the other five occupants inside the home.
Police said that when officers attempted to detain Lassiter, a struggle broke out before he was eventually taken into custody.
Lassiter was charged with making arson threats; intoxicated endangerment; and additional violations. He is being held at the Charles County Department of Corrections without bond.
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