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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 the fire.
Witnesses advised deputies that Gonzalez-Lopez had entered a shed behind the home and emerged with a container. He then began spreading an oily substance on the outside of the home.
They also reported that "Gonzalez-Lopez had broken into the residence, causing damage to the home.
Before investigators arrived, deputies detained Gonzalez-Lopez at his brother's residence.
During the investigation, "deputies confirmed that several witnesses had seen Gonzalez-Lopez pouring the oily substance and asking for a lighter, indicating his intent to ignite the residence and subsequently leaving the property," according to the Fire Marshal.
Gonzalez-Lopez was charged with:
- First-and third-degree burglary;
- Malicious destruction of property;
- Attempted first-degree arson;
- Arson threat.
He was being held at the St. Mary's County Detention Center in Leonardtown without bond.
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