Tag:

Arson

Serial Arsonist Telling Tall Tales Admits To Setting Series Of Maryland Fires: State's Attorney Serial Arsonist Telling Tall Tales Admits To Setting Series Of Maryland Fires: State's Attorney
Serial Arsonist Telling Tall Tales Admits To Setting Series Of Maryland Fires: State's Attorney A firebug responsible for a series of arson incidents in Montgomery County has copped to the crime and faces up to 80 years in prison, according to the state's attorney's office. Fernando Herrera-Rivera, 24, pleaded guilty this week to four counts of second-degree arson in connection to multiple incidents reported in September 2023. Specifically, Herrera-Rivera admitted to lighting fires involving:  A vehicle along Russell Avenue; A Gaithersburg Police Department building on Fulks Corner; A beer and wine store in the 400 block of South Frederick Avenue; A market in the 400 block…
Man Arrested For Arson After Altercation Involving Maryland Neighbor: Fire Marshal Man Arrested For Arson After Altercation Involving Maryland Neighbor: Fire Marshal
Man Arrested For Arson After Altercation Involving Maryland Neighbor: Fire Marshal An argument over stolen property led to arson charges for a 30-year-old Maryland man who allegedly attempted to start a fire outside of a neighbor's home on Sunday afternoon. Lexington Park resident Cesar Augusto Gonzalez-Lopez was arrested at around noon on Monday afternoon when members of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office were called to the 46000 block of Sue Drive to investigate a blaze, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Investigators say that a dispute over allegedly stolen property the previous night between Gonzalez-Lopez and the homeowner led to th…
Maryland Dad Who Killed Mother, Grandmother In Front Of Infant Learns His Fate Maryland Dad Who Killed Mother, Grandmother In Front Of Infant Learns His Fate
Maryland Dad Who Killed Mother, Grandmother In Front Of Infant Learns His Fate The Maryland man who set an apartment on fire with an infant inside and killed his child's mother and grandmother in Southeast DC more than three years ago may spend the rest of his life in prison. Clinton resident Keenan Turner, 35, was sentenced to 68 years in prison in connection to the April 2021 murders of Wanda and Ebony Wright, the shooting of a third victim, and the attempted murder of an infant when he set the fire, federal authorities announced. Prosecutors say that Turner's intention in committing the offenses was "solely to avoid paying child support."  They had been pushi…
Arsonist Convicted Of Killing Mother, Toddler In Maryland Townhome Over Housing Dispute Arsonist Convicted Of Killing Mother, Toddler In Maryland Townhome Over Housing Dispute
Arsonist Convicted Of Killing Mother, Toddler In Maryland Townhome Over Housing Dispute The Maryland man who burned down a home that resulted in the death of his girlfriend and her toddler daughter faces up to 140 years in prison, the Charles County State's Attorney's Office announced. Vincent Anthony Fisher, II, 49, has been convicted following a near two-week trial for his role in a fatal incident in March 2022 that resulted in the deaths of Rashawn Cline and Dashawn Cline. First responders in Charles County were called on March 31, 2022, to a townhome in Waldorf that was fully engulfed in flames with Fisher outside suffering from injuries that took place from an assault tha…
Suspect Charged With Murder, Arson For Maryland Fire That Killed Father Of Three Suspect Charged With Murder, Arson For Maryland Fire That Killed Father Of Three
Suspect Charged With Murder, Arson For Maryland Fire That Killed Father Of Three A suspect has been arrested for arson following the fatal two-alarm Baltimore County fire that claimed the life of a beloved husband and father earlier this week. Baltimore resident Dana Delmar Hunt, 43, has been charged with murder and arson in connection to the house fire on Monday, Aug. 26 on Greenway Road in Towson that resulted in 43-year-old Lorenzo Rene Trejo Coreas' death. 2 alarm apartment fire w/rescue. Fire crews respond to 8400 blk Greenway for apt fire. Crews arrive to fire showing and people trapped. EMS transported 4 peds patients with minor burns and 2 adults with serious…
Maryland Man Ditched GPS Monitor While Awaiting Trial For Assault, Arson Arrest, Sheriff Says Maryland Man Ditched GPS Monitor While Awaiting Trial For Assault, Arson Arrest, Sheriff Says
Maryland Man Ditched GPS Monitor While Awaiting Trial For Assault, Arson Arrest, Sheriff Says A Maryland man arrested for multiple assault offenses and for threatening arson in St. Mary's County has escaped, officials say. Markko Darvelle Morsell, 34, is wanted for escape after removing his electronic monitoring device and fleeing the area following his latest arrest.  At the the time, Morsell was on pretrial release for charges that include three counts of second-degree assault, theft of $100 to under $1,500, and making threats of arson. He was described as being 6-foot-3 weighing approximately 320 pounds.  Anyone with information regarding Morsell or his whereabouts ha…
Man Accused Of Killing Tech CEO In Maryland Pleads Guilty To Attacking Couple: Prosecutors Man Accused Of Killing Tech CEO In Maryland Pleads Guilty To Attacking Couple: Prosecutors
Man Accused Of Killing Tech CEO In Maryland Pleads Guilty To Attacking Couple: Prosecutors The man implicated in the murder of 26-year-old tech CEO Pava LaPere will spend the rest of his life behind bars after admitting to other crimes, the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office announced on Monday. Jason Dean Billinglsey, now 33, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of attempted murder after holding two people hostage and assaulting them in Baltimore. "Today’s plea ensures that a dangerous individual will spend the rest of his life behind bars, unable to harm anyone else," State's Attorney Ivan Bates said. "The horrific acts of false imprisonment, assault, and attempted murder h…
Maryland Man Murdered Ex-Girlfriend, Grandmother Of Child He Attempted To Kill In DC: Feds Maryland Man Murdered Ex-Girlfriend, Grandmother Of Child He Attempted To Kill In DC: Feds
Maryland Man Murdered Ex-Girlfriend, Grandmother Of Child He Attempted To Kill In DC: Feds A Maryland man who was found complicit in the deaths of two people in Southeast DC in April 2021 is facing a lifetime behind bars, federal authorities announced. On Friday, a DC Superior Court jury returned a guilty verdict against Clinton resident Keanan Turner, 34, in connection to the murders of Wanda and Ebony Wright in the 2300 block of Good Hope Court SE three years ago. Metropolitan Police Department Prosecutors say that Ebony Wright was in a relationship with Turner when she became pregnant.  Turner asked her to terminate the pregnancy, and when she declined, he st…
Baltimore Man Gets Decades In Prison After Howard County Victim Found Dead In Burning Home Baltimore Man Gets Decades In Prison After Howard County Victim Found Dead In Burning Home
Baltimore Man Gets Decades In Prison After Howard County Victim Found Dead In Burning Home The home invader implicated in a fatal incident and arson last year is going to spend decades in prison, according to the Howard County State's Attorney's Office. Baltimore native Dennis Lee Graham, 40, was sentenced to 70 years in prison with all but 40 years suspended for his role in the death of 64-year-old James Sents, Jr. in Elkridge. According to police, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on March 3, 2023, officers were called to Sents' home in the 6000 block of Old Washington Road to investigate a reported home invasion, where they were met by smoke coming from a bedroom. Upon arrival, fir…
Incendiary Fires Reported At Gambrill State Park In Maryland Incendiary Fires Reported At Gambrill State Park In Maryland
Incendiary Fires Reported At Gambrill State Park In Maryland An alleged arsonist is at large after intentionally setting incendiary fires at Gambrill State Park, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal. Shortly before 1 a.m. on Monday, July 1, investigators say that thy found a plastic portable toilet and State Park signage damaged by what was described as "malicious burning. The fires were reported by a passerby. According to the fire marshal, unknown suspects attempted to burn down the toilet and sign at the trailhead of the State Park using combustibles, though it is unclear who is responsible. The incident caused an estimated $1,000 in damage. I…
Amply-Armed Employee Threatened To Blow Up Maryland Vehicle Administration Building: Officials Amply-Armed Employee Threatened To Blow Up Maryland Vehicle Administration Building: Officials
Amply-Armed Employee Threatened To Blow Up Maryland Vehicle Administration Building: Officials A well-armed employee who threatened to blow up the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) building has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, according to the state fire marshal. Hagerstown resident Anthony Jacob Fritz, 38 - an employee of the MVA on Colonel Henry K. Douglas Drive - found himself in hot water with the police on Friday after allegedly making threats of mass violence.  Investigators say that on Friday morning, co-workers approached a Maryland State Police trooper to advise that Fritz claimed he was going to bomb their building. Following an investigation, the&nbs…
Firefighter Injured Battling Small Blaze Outside Maryland Apartment Building: Fire Marshal Firefighter Injured Battling Small Blaze Outside Maryland Apartment Building: Fire Marshal
Firefighter Injured Battling Small Blaze Outside Maryland Apartment Building: Fire Marshal One firefighter suffered a hand injury while dealing with a fire in Harford County that is believed to have been set by a minor, officials say. Crews from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company were called late in the afternoon on Monday to the Village of Lakeview Apartments on Edgewater Drive in Edgewood, where there was a reported fire.  According to the Maryland Fire Marshal, investigators believe that a minor is suspected of igniting four boxes of air filters that was located on the ground, just outside the window of a maintenance office, on fire. Firefighters were a…
Accused Arsonist Firebombed Maryland Home With Molotov Cocktail: Fire Marshal Accused Arsonist Firebombed Maryland Home With Molotov Cocktail: Fire Marshal
Accused Arsonist Firebombed Maryland Home With Molotov Cocktail: Fire Marshal An alleged arsonist who firebombed a Cecil County home is facing attempted murder and other charges following an incident in March, the Maryland Fire Marshal announced on Tuesday. Christopher J. Shivery, 41, was arrested on June 11 following a months-long investigation into a North East house fire that was intentionally set by a "Molotov cocktail," officials say. Shortly before 10 p.m. on March 2, Maryland State Police troopers were called to the 1290 block of Old Philadelphia Road when the homeowners saw a flash outside their window and found flames burning outside. Fire investigators lat…
Man Who Set Motel Room Ablaze During Dispute Charged With Arson: Maryland Fire Marshal Man Who Set Motel Room Ablaze During Dispute Charged With Arson: Maryland Fire Marshal
Man Who Set Motel Room Ablaze During Dispute Charged With Arson: Maryland Fire Marshal Dozens of guests were displaced from a Southern Maryland motel this week after a man set a room on fire during a dispute, officials say. The Maryland Fire Marshal is investigating after Leonardtown resident Anthony Cleaver Mason, 64, allegedly set a blaze at the Super Eight Motel in California.  First responders from multiple agencies were called shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday, June 3 to the motel in the 22800 block of Three Notch Road to investigate a reported disturbance after an employee called 911 to report that some guests were arguing. They also reported that the occupants …
Anti-Government Extremist From MD Gets Time For Torching Supreme Court Vehicles, Self In DC Anti-Government Extremist From MD Gets Time For Torching Supreme Court Vehicles, Self In DC
Anti-Government Extremist From MD Gets Time For Torching Supreme Court Vehicles, Self In DC An extremist from Maryland who claims to be the leader of a militia will spend years in prison after pouring gasoline on Supreme Court vehicles and accidentally lighting himself on fire in Northeast DC, federal authorities announced. Hagerstown native Cody Tarner, who has a history of encounters with law enforcement and has expressed anti-government rhetoric, pleaded guilty earlier this year to arson in connection to an act of rage that went wrong for him, officials said on Jan. 10. On Tuesday, Tarner was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was…
Man Arrested For Setting Neighbor's Home Ablaze In MD With Family Inside: Fire Marshal Man Arrested For Setting Neighbor's Home Ablaze In MD With Family Inside: Fire Marshal
Man Arrested For Setting Neighbor's Home Ablaze In MD With Family Inside: Fire Marshal The man who set fire to his neighbor's home while they were inside amid an ongoing dispute was arrested on Tuesday and faces attempted murder and other offenses, officials announced. North East native Joshua Edward Alexander Larkins, 27, was taken into custody on May 14 following a monthlong investigation into an intentionally set fire involving his neighbors. Shortly before 10 p.m. on April 16, crews from the North East Fire Company and nearby agencies were called to a home on Bay View Woods Lane to investigate a fire that was reported in the area.  Firefighters were able to quickly …
Popular Playground In Maryland Closed Indefinitely After $1M Fire Popular Playground In Maryland Closed Indefinitely After $1M Fire
Popular Playground In Maryland Closed Indefinitely After $1M Fire The hunt is on for the firebug who torched a popular playground at a Montgomery County park and caused upwards of $1 million in damage. Investigators are seeking the public's assistance as they attempt to identify and locate those responsible for the fire that destroyed the Greenbriar Local Park's main playground on Glen Road in Potomac. The MNCPP, Montgomery County Division & @mcfrs are investigating fire at Greenbriar Local Park, located 12525 Glen Rd, Potomac, fire occurred Tue, May 7, 2024, ~10p. OPEN/ACTIVE investigation - Anyone w/ INFO, please CALL @mcfrs Arson Tipline 240.777…
Man Charged With Arson, Animal Cruelty For Home Explosion That Killed Dog In Maryland (UPDATED) Man Charged With Arson, Animal Cruelty For Home Explosion That Killed Dog In Maryland (UPDATED)
Man Charged With Arson, Animal Cruelty For Home Explosion That Killed Dog In Maryland (Updated) Police in Baltimore County have charged a man in connection to the explosion that led to a two-alarm blaze and destroyed his family's home, fire officials announced on Tuesday. Michael Greensfelder, 52, is facing charges for allegedly intentionally creating a fuel/gas explosion that led to the destruction of the home he shared with his estranged wife and children. One person was injured late on Saturday, April 20, when there was a reported home explosion at 28 Crafton Road in Essex that also damaged neighboring homes.  The home explosion on Ridgemoor Road in Essex Baltimore C…
Woman Conspiring To Throw Molotov Cocktail Through Maryland Window Sentenced: Prosecutors Woman Conspiring To Throw Molotov Cocktail Through Maryland Window Sentenced: Prosecutors
Shannon Marie Williams Sentenced For Attempted Murder A 44-year-old woman implicated in a fire-bombing in Howard County more than two years ago has been sentenced to decades in prison, the state's attorney's office announced. Shannon Marie Williams has been sentenced to 115 years in prison, with all but 50 years suspended, for her role in an arson incident that was reported in April 2022. At approximately 3 a.m. on April 5, 2022, prosecutors say that Williams conspired with two others to kill a person by throwing a molotov cocktail into the window of an apartment at the Bluffs of Hawthorn in the 10000 block of Hickory Ridge Circle in Columbia.…
Man Living In Back Of Maryland Business Intentionally Set Blaze In Apartment: Fire Marshal Man Living In Back Of Maryland Business Intentionally Set Blaze In Apartment: Fire Marshal
Man Living In Back Of Maryland Business Intentionally Set Blaze In Apartment: Fire Marshal A man living in the back apartment of a commercial building in Northern Maryland is facing multiple counts of arson for allegedly intentionally setting a blaze that caused thousands in damages, the fire marshal announced. Julian Cookerly, 32, was arrested on Tuesday following a months-long investigation into a questionable fire that had multiple points of origin and was sparked in September last year in Kent County. First responders from the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Department were called in the afternoon of Sept. 27, 2023 to Church Alley in Chestertown, where there was a reported fire. …
‘Mailbox Mix-Up:’ $30K Offered For Clues In Decades-Old Howard County Arson Case That Killed 2 ‘Mailbox Mix-Up:’ $30K Offered For Clues In Decades-Old Howard County Arson Case That Killed 2
‘Mailbox Mix-Up:’ $30K Offered For Clues In Decades-Old Howard County Arson Case That Killed 2 It’s been exactly 43 years since two people remembered as pillars of the Howard County community were killed by an arsonist yet to be identified and charged in a mystifying cold case. Joe Selby, the manager of Enchanted Forest, the former fairytale-themed amusement park on Route 40 in Ellicott City, and his wife, Betty, shared the last name as another large family that lived in the same county, according to police. After a brawl occurred at a local bar about five years earlier, detectives believe someone tried to retaliate by starting the fire that claimed their lives at 12102 Frederic…
Anti-Government Extremist From MD Admits To Torching Supreme Court Vehicles, Self In DC Anti-Government Extremist From MD Admits To Torching Supreme Court Vehicles, Self In DC
Anti-Government Extremist From MD Admits To Torching Supreme Court Vehicles, Self In DC An extremist from Maryland who claims to be the leader of a militia has admitted to pouring gasoline on Supreme Court vehicles and accidentally lighting himself on fire in Northeast DC, federal authorities announced on Wednesday. Hagerstown native Cody Tarner, who has a history of encounters with law enforcement and has expressed anti-government rhetoric, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to arson in connection to an act of rage that went wrong for him, officials said on Jan. 10. According to court documents, on July 15, 2020, Tarner drove onto US Supreme Court property on First Street NE and parke…
Firebug With Fitting Name Arrested For Torching Rented Bedroom: Maryland Fire Marshal Firebug With Fitting Name Arrested For Torching Rented Bedroom: Maryland Fire Marshal
Firebug With Fitting Name Arrested For Torching Rented Bedroom: Maryland Fire Marshal Wendy Hope Firebaugh wrapped up 2023 in a fiery way and is spending the beginning of 2024 behind bars after setting an intentional fire inside a home she was renting in Maryland. The 64-year-old woman has been arrested on multiple counts of arson following an investigation into a fire that broke out inside a St. Mary's County home while two others were inside the residence, according to the state Fire Marshal. Officials say that Firebaugh was arrested over the weekend after fire investigators determined she intentionally sparked the blaze inside a bedroom of the Mechanicsville home. Shortl…
Arsonist, 25, Booted By Brother Torches Trailer In Hagerstown: Cops Arsonist, 25, Booted By Brother Torches Trailer In Hagerstown: Cops
Arsonist, 25, Booted By Brother Torches Trailer In Hagerstown: Cops A Hagerstown man has been charged with setting fire to his brother's utility trailer hauling brush this week, authorities announced. Christian Reyes Torres, 25, had been staying with his brother but was asked to leave on Thursday, Dec. 14, the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Torres later returned and began arguing with family members, and threatened to burn down the house, officials said. It wasn't long before it was discovered that Torres' brother's trailer was found engulfed in flames, along with the brush and tree limbs it had been hauling, officials said. Firefighters extinguished t…
Threatening Firebug Torched Townhouse During Domestic Disturbance In Maryland: Police Threatening Firebug Torched Townhouse During Domestic Disturbance In Maryland: Police
Threatening Firebug Torched Townhouse During Domestic Disturbance In Maryland: Police Byron Alton Bowie nearly made good on his threats to "burn everything down and harm everyone" after he set fire to a Maryland townhouse during a dispute in Frederick, police say. Neighbors said that there was an altercation involving Bowie last week, who was locked out of a townhouse, and he was then spotted on the back deck shouting that he wanted to "burn everything down and harm everyone," before a caller on the line with police saw him using a chair to break a glass door.  The incident was first reported shortly before 9:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, in the 2200 block of Waller House…
Fair Lawn Native Critically Burned Fighting Baltimore Fire Succumbs To His Injuries Fair Lawn Native Critically Burned Fighting Baltimore Fire Succumbs To His Injuries
Fair Lawn Native Critically Burned Fighting Baltimore Fire Succumbs To His Injuries A Fair Lawn native who was critically injured trying to rescue a brother firefighter in a blaze in Baltimore has tragically made the ultimate sacrifice. Fire Lt. Dillion Rinaldo succumbed to his injuries Tuesday night, Oct. 24, five days after a rowhouse blaze claimed the life of a fellow smoke eater whom he and his colleagues had gone back in to save. "To the Rinaldo family, we are at a loss for words," the Fair Lawn Fire Department wrote in a social media post. "Your son Dillon will never be forgotten," the post reads. "He had the biggest heart and would literally help anyone in need. Al…
Firebug Arrested For Costly Arson Spree In Maryland: Officials Firebug Arrested For Costly Arson Spree In Maryland: Officials
Firebug Arrested For Costly Arson Spree In Maryland: Officials Police have identified and arrested a 23-year-old man who was taken into custody in connection to a string of fires that were set in Montgomery County last weekend. Officials say that Gaithersburg resident Fernando J.Herrera-Rivera is facing six counts of arson for setting several fires in his hometown on Sunday, Sept. 17. The long night for first responders began around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, when crews were called to the Holbrook Center in Gaithersburg following a report of two-alarm fires, prompting a heavy presence from the fire department. Update - Holbrook Center, 400blk S …
Series Of 'Suspicious Fires' Under Investigation In Maryland (PHOTOS) Series Of 'Suspicious Fires' Under Investigation In Maryland (PHOTOS)
Series Of 'Suspicious Fires' Under Investigation In Maryland (Photos) A series of suspicious fires are under investigation and an arsonist is reportedly in custody as officials in Montgomery County continue to investigate, officials say.  The long night began around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, when first responders were called to the Holbrook Center in Gaithersburg following a report of two-alarm fires, prompting a heavy presence from the fire department. Update - Holbrook Center, 400blk S Frederick Av; @mcfrs Fire Explosive Investigators indicate the several fires (at 3 separate fires) are suspicious in nature, damage is significant (included 2 differen…
Teen Firebug Torched Vehicle In MD Lot: Fire Marshal Teen Firebug Torched Vehicle In MD Lot: Fire Marshal
Teen Firebug Torched Vehicle In MD Lot: Fire Marshal More than a week after a Toyota was intentionally set on fire in Washington County, authorities announced that a teenage suspect has been taken into custody. Jaden William Kline, 18, of Hagerstown, is facing charges after admitting to intentionally setting a Toyota Land Cruiser on fire in a seeming act of vandalism, the Maryland Fire Marshal announced. It is alleged that shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, members of the Hagerstown Police and Fire departments were called to Land Cruiser Heaven on Frederick Street in Hagerstown, where there was a reported vehicle fire that was threaten…
Former Police Chief In Maryland Gets Eight Life Sentences For Targeted Revenge Arson Attacks Former Police Chief In Maryland Gets Eight Life Sentences For Targeted Revenge Arson Attacks
Former Police Chief In Maryland Gets Eight Life Sentences For Targeted Revenge Arson Attacks A judge in Maryland turned up the heat on a former police chief who was convicted of intentionally setting multiple fires as a means of revenge during a near decade-long crime spree. Former Laurel Police Chief David Crawford, of Ellicott City, 71, will likely spend the rest of his days with some of the people he helped lock up after being sentenced to eight life sentences, plus 75 years in prison, for a serial arson case, the Howard County State's Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday, June 27. The State's Attorney's Office noted that "Crawfords actual executable prison sentence is two ye…
Shooters Caught In Middle Of Murderous Baltimore Brother's Revenge Plot Get Time Shooters Caught In Middle Of Murderous Baltimore Brother's Revenge Plot Get Time
Shooters Caught In Middle Of Murderous Baltimore Brother's Revenge Plot Get Time Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that two men have been sentenced to life in prison in connection to the January 2020 botched drug deal that led to the murders of two brothers in Baltimore. Christopher Brown, 22, and Daran Horton, 23, both of Baltimore, were both hit with lengthy prison terms for their roles in the murder of Cordelle Wayne Bruce, Jr. after a weed deal went south. Specifically, Brown got life in prison, while Horton received a term of life with all but 45 years suspended. On the night of Jan. 14, prosecutors said that the three met at the Alameda Shopping C…