71°
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 of South Frederick Avenue.
A long night for first responders began around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, 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.
More than 75 firefighters responded to the initial call in the 400 block of South Frederick Avenue to control three separate fires.
A two-alarm fire was called in around an hour later at 3:15 a.m. at LaFrontera Restaurant on Russell Avenue, minutes away from the initial blaze, where there were several cars up in flames that spread to a nearby building.
Dozens of firefighters were called to help knock down the flames in the second incident, which was extinguished by approximately 4 a.m., though the damage had already been done.
In total, six fires were set, reportedly causing upwards of $1 million in damages, according to investigators. No injuries were reported.
Herrera-Rivera was ultimately identified as a suspect, and it was later determined that he had an open warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear on previous charges.
Court documents state that Herrera-Rivera told investigators that he was abducted, and those who took him shot the window of the Frederick Avenue store with a sniper rifle and forced him to go inside, where he said he saw smoke and left.
He also claimed that there was a "(man) that looks just like him stuffing newspaper under a vehicle in the parking lot of Russell Avenue and light it on fire."
Herrera-Rivera did not admit to lighting the fires, only that he saw them; however, when he was processed, "blisters resembling those of burns were seen on both of his palms."
"Multiple non-communicating fires in separate locations , occurring in close proximity of time and are absent of a known competent ignitions source are incendiary in nature," a fire and explosives investigator said. "An individual intended a fire to be set in an area where a fire should not be."
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Gaithersburg and receive free news updates.
