Tag:

Malicious destruction of property

Seance Sparks Blaze, Barricade, Arson Arrest In Maryland: Fire Marshal Seance Sparks Blaze, Barricade, Arson Arrest In Maryland: Fire Marshal
Seance Sparks Blaze, Barricade, Arson Arrest In Maryland: Fire Marshal A Maryland woman’s attempt to summon spirits may have backfired—literally—when she allegedly set her apartment on fire, then locked herself in a rental office, officials said. April Niesha Hough, 45, of Hagerstown, is facing arson charges after claiming she was performing a seance before the fire broke out at The Ridge Apartments on Garden Lane, according to investigators. Fire crews responded around 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14, after smoke started pouring from the three-story building. Tenants managed to escape after a fire alarm was activated. That’s when things got even weirder. Investi…
Children Hid Upstairs Calling 911 As Armed Teens Broke Into Maryland Home: Sheriff Children Hid Upstairs Calling 911 As Armed Teens Broke Into Maryland Home: Sheriff
Children Hid Upstairs Calling 911 As Armed Teens Broke Into Maryland Home: Sheriff A terrifying home invasion in Maryland sent two juveniles scrambling for safety as armed intruders shattered a glass door and barged inside, all while security cameras rolled, officials said. It happened around March 3 in the 11400 block of Leland Place in Waldorf, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Two young residents were upstairs when they heard the break-in, prompting them to frantically call 911 and report that someone had just entered their home. By the time officers arrived, the suspects had already fled. A parent arrived home shortly after and reviewed the home secu…
Content Creator Calling In Fake Fires For Clicks Back In Custody: Maryland Fire Marshal Content Creator Calling In Fake Fires For Clicks Back In Custody: Maryland Fire Marshal
Content Creator Calling In Fake Fires For Clicks Back In Custody: Maryland Fire Marshal A Maryland social media creator accused of setting fires and making fake 911 calls for content has been arrested again—this time in St. Mary’s County—just days after being released on home detention, officials said. Joshua Christian-Stanley Jackson, 21, of Prince Frederick, was taken into custody Wednesday, March 5, after investigators linked him to another arson case and a separate false 911 call, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. Jackson, who was initially arrested last week for allegedly setting fire to a vacant commercial building in Charles County, had been release…
Knife-Wielding Man Causes Chaos In Maryland Home Invasion: Sheriff Knife-Wielding Man Causes Chaos In Maryland Home Invasion: Sheriff
Knife-Wielding Man Causes Chaos In Maryland Home Invasion: Sheriff A Maryland man armed with two large knives caused a chaotic scene in Charles County, breaking into a home and shattering items inside before officers were able to deescalate the situation, authorities said. The Charles County Sheriff's Office said officers were called to the 9200 block of Kris Drive around February 28 for reports of a burglary in progress. Investigators said Michael Santa Mendez, 42, of White Plains, first approached a random woman outside a home and asked if he could go inside—while holding two knives.  When she refused, Mendez dropped the weapons and ran to another …
Apartment Arsonist Damaged Sprinkler At YMCA: Maryland Fire Marshal Apartment Arsonist Damaged Sprinkler At YMCA: Maryland Fire Marshal
Apartment Arsonist Damaged Sprinkler At YMCA: Maryland Fire Marshal A Maryland man already jailed for arson is facing new charges after investigators say he intentionally damaged a fire sprinkler at the YMCA where he was living, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Donald Lee Martin Jr., of Cumberland, was served a criminal summons at the Allegany County Detention Center, where he remains held without bond, the Maryland State Fire Marshal announced on Tuesday, March 4. The charges stem from an incident on Saturday, Feb. 15, when staff at the Cumberland YMCA reported that Martin deliberately damaged a fire sprinkler in a stairwell.  The vand…
DUI Driver Slams Into Home, Lands In Culvert After Hit-Run In Maryland: Sheriff DUI Driver Slams Into Home, Lands In Culvert After Hit-Run In Maryland: Sheriff
DUI Driver Slams Into Home, Lands In Culvert After Hit-Run In Maryland: Sheriff A drunk driver slammed into a Maryland home, causing it to shake from the impact, before speeding off and crashing into a culvert, deputies said. The chaotic crash happened earlier this month, when deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office responded to the 3700 block of Larkview Court in Dunkirk for a hit-and-run. Homeowners told deputies they were inside when they heard a loud bang and felt the house shake.  A resident ran outside and saw a Jeep Crossover against the front of the house, with landscaping damage, before it sped away from the scene, authorities said. Deputies c…
Victims Watch Helplessly As Gunman Slashes Tires In Maryland Driveway: Sheriff Victims Watch Helplessly As Gunman Slashes Tires In Maryland Driveway: Sheriff
Victims Watch Helplessly As Gunman Slashes Tires In Maryland Driveway: Sheriff A La Plata man is facing multiple charges after allegedly pulling a gun on a group of people before slashing tires outside a Lexington Park home in the middle of the night, authorities said. St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Carefree Way residence shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, after receiving a call about an armed suspect, officials said. When deputies arrived, they learned the suspect had already fled the scene, but witnesses had plenty to say. Investigators say 41-year-old Adam David Chaney approached the home, prompting multiple people to step outside. At…
Graffiti Rampage in Downtown Frederick Leads to New Jersey Man's Arrest: Police Graffiti Rampage in Downtown Frederick Leads to New Jersey Man's Arrest: Police
Graffiti Rampage in Downtown Frederick Leads to New Jersey Man's Arrest: Police A New Jersey man accused of defacing downtown Frederick with pink graffiti has been arrested after police tracked him down to an Airbnb and later found his vehicle in Urbana, authorities announced. Frederick Police say Toms River resident Daniel K. Simmons, 35, was taken into custody earlier this month following an investigation that connected him to a series of vandalism incidents along North Market Street that targeted city property and a local business. According to police, officers responded to reports of graffiti markings on trash cans, an electrical box, a parking meter, and exterior …
Assault Suspect Rams Police Vehicle During Pursuit In Southern Maryland: Sheriff Assault Suspect Rams Police Vehicle During Pursuit In Southern Maryland: Sheriff
Assault Suspect Rams Police Vehicle During Pursuit In Southern Maryland: Sheriff A Maryland woman is facing multiple charges after an assault report led to a high-speed police pursuit that ended with her ramming a patrol vehicle and nearly hitting a deputy, authorities said. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported assault in progress at a home on Liberty Street in Lexington Park on Wednesday, Jan. 29, when they learned the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as 26-year-old Sabrina Brianna Thompson, refused to pull over.  Instead, she led officers on a purs…
Social Media Clue Cracks Case Of Arson At Maryland Church: Fire Marshal Social Media Clue Cracks Case Of Arson At Maryland Church: Fire Marshal
Social Media Clue Cracks Case Of Arson At Maryland Church: Fire Marshal An investigator randomly scrolling through Facebook was key in apprehending a man who set a tree ablaze at a Maryland church last month, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Shortly after 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, first responders were called to the Radiant Life Church in Cumberland, when a tree was found burning outside, which was extinguished within minutes. An investigation led by the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire was intentionally set, prompting assistance from the State Fire Marshal, who were able to obtain surveillance footage that captured the suspect in …
Double Trouble: Second DUI Arrest Made After Passenger Flees Traffic Stop In Maryland: Sheriff Double Trouble: Second DUI Arrest Made After Passenger Flees Traffic Stop In Maryland: Sheriff
Double Trouble: Second DUI Arrest Made After Passenger Flees Traffic Stop In Maryland: Sheriff A Calvert County traffic stop spiraled into chaos when a passenger, instead of calling for a ride as instructed, took the wheel and made a wild getaway—while allegedly drunk himself, officials said. It all started late last month when a sheriff's deputy spotted a vehicle swerving along Route 260 near Brickhouse Road in Dunkirk, prompting him to stop the driver.  According to a spokesperson from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, After pulling the car over, officers discovered the driver, Jervis Jerome James, 52, of Glenn Dale, smelled strongly of alcohol.  Field sobriety tests …
Deputy Fire Chief In Maryland Accused Of Setting Blaze He Helped Extinguish Deputy Fire Chief In Maryland Accused Of Setting Blaze He Helped Extinguish
Deputy Fire Chief In Maryland Accused Of Setting Blaze He Helped Extinguish A Cecil County fire official has been arrested for allegedly setting a brushfire on the property of a local addiction treatment center, leaving a community stunned. Robert "Bobby" Bennett, 39, the deputy fire chief of Hacks Point Volunteer Fire Company, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after investigators identified him as the person allegedly responsible for a blaze earlier this month, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 4 when a brushfire burned two acres of land on Grove Neck Road at the Recovery Centers of America’s property, officials sa…
Playground Pandemonium: Bulldozer Rampage Causes $100K in Damage at Maryland Park Playground Pandemonium: Bulldozer Rampage Causes $100K in Damage at Maryland Park
Playground Pandemonium: Bulldozer Rampage Causes $100K in Damage at Maryland Park The carefree laughter of children at Brantwood Park in Elkton was replaced by stunned silence this weekend after a bizarre and destructive act of vandalism left a playground in ruins. On Saturday, Nov. 16, Cecil County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Williams Road to investigate a jaw-dropping scene of "malicious destruction of property."  The culprit? A bulldozer. The victim? A children’s playground that had recently been updated to bring joy to the community’s children. Deputies arrived to find significant damage to both the playground equipment and other areas of the park, with t…
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…
Estranged Boyfriend Set Fire To Ex's Mercedes In Maryland, Marshal Says Estranged Boyfriend Set Fire To Ex's Mercedes In Maryland, Marshal Says
Estranged Boyfriend Set Fire To Ex's Mercedes In Maryland, Marshal Says The man responsible for setting a woman's Mercedes on fire has been arrested, officials say. Crews from the Hagerstown Fire Department responded at approximately 5:15 a.m. on Sept. 8 to the 1000 block of Security Road to investigate a reported car fire. Firefighters responded to the scene, where they found the fire was already extinguished, though the vehicle suffered significant damage. The aftermath of the fire in Washington County. Office Of The Maryland State Fire Marshal According to investigators from the Maryland Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire was determined to be incen…
'Unlawful Exhibition Driving' Event In Glen Burnie Dismantled Overnight: State Police 'Unlawful Exhibition Driving' Event In Glen Burnie Dismantled Overnight: State Police
'Unlawful Exhibition Driving' Event In Glen Burnie Dismantled Overnight: State Police Seven people were arrested over the course of six hours as Maryland State Police broke up nearly a dozen "unlawful exhibition driving events" overnight, officials say. Troopers were busy on Saturday night and Sunday morning in Baltimore, Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, responding to several locations in the region where up to 200 people gathered in parking lots and attempted to shut down certain intersections. Police say that they responded to these locations:  10:40 p.m.: 5710 A Wabash Ave. in Baltimore; 11:10 p.m.: 2880-2894 Rolling Road in Windsor Mill; 11:49 p.m.: 3…
Two Who Torched Maryland Home, Blocked Door With Mattress Accused Of Attempted Murder: State PD Two Who Torched Maryland Home, Blocked Door With Mattress Accused Of Attempted Murder: State PD
Two Who Torched Maryland Home, Blocked Door With Mattress Accused Of Attempted Murder: State PD Two Maryland men who tried to set a house on fire with people inside on the Eastern Shore were arrested this week after being caught red-handed with the fuel they used to set it, state police say. Lascelles David Beckford, 37, a Somerset County resident, and Dante Jamar Stone, 34, of Salisbury, went through great lengths in an attempt to torch the home of two people they were familiar with, according to officials. The incident was reported at around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 in the 12000 block of Independence Court in Princess Anne. Investigators say that they believe Beckford and Ston…
Armed Man Shot TV, Threatened Pair Before Arrest In Charles County, Sheriff Says Armed Man Shot TV, Threatened Pair Before Arrest In Charles County, Sheriff Says
Armed Man Shot TV, Threatened Pair Before Arrest In Charles County, Sheriff Says A man who fired shots at a TV and threatened two people inside a Charles County home was apprehended peacefully due to the measured work of officers, according to the sheriff's office. La Plata resident Alfredo Arroyo, 45, is facing charges following an incident that played out over the weekend that led to a large police presence and could have ended tragically if not for officers de-escalating the situation, officials said on Wednesday. On the morning of Saturday, July 13, officers were called to the La Plata home, where there was a report of shots fired.  "Responding officers i…
Known Arsonist Set Commercial Storage Trailer Ablaze In Maryland: Fire Marshal Known Arsonist Set Commercial Storage Trailer Ablaze In Maryland: Fire Marshal
Known Arsonist Set Commercial Storage Trailer Ablaze In Maryland: Fire Marshal A man known to set several trash fires earlier this week is accused of escalating matters in Carroll County after allegedly setting a storage trailer ablaze.  The Maryland Fire Marshal announced on Saturday that Joseph Affayroux, 42, has been arrested and now faces arson and other charges in connection to a fire that was knocked down by the Reese Volunteer Fire Company and other nearby agencies on Friday afternoon. Joseph Affayroux Office Of The Maryland State Fire Marshal Shortly after 4 p.m. on July 12, crews were called to the 3100 block of Baltimore Boulevard in Finksb…
Botched Robberies Land Man Behind Bars In Calvert County, Sheriff Says Botched Robberies Land Man Behind Bars In Calvert County, Sheriff Says
Botched Robberies Land Man Behind Bars In Calvert County, Sheriff Says An alleged robber who went to the well one too many times in Calvert County is facing charges after being busted by members of the sheriff's office. Ronald Joseph Strain, 58, of Prince Frederick, has been arrested following an investigation into several robberies and attempted robberies in the community, authorities announced over the weekend. In late April, deputies from the Calvert County Sherif's Office responded to Pollo Delicioso on Central Square Drive, where there was a reported robbery. According to investigators, an unknown Black man - later identified as Strain - was caught on ca…
Serial Burglar Charged For String Of Robberies In Maryland, Police Say Serial Burglar Charged For String Of Robberies In Maryland, Police Say
Serial Burglar Charged For String Of Robberies In Maryland, Police Say A serial burglar has been taken into custody and faces new charges in Maryland after terrorizing Montgomery County businesses during a string of robberies, police say. Gaithersburg resident Lawrence Clipper, 57, has been linked to a series of burglaries during the first week of March in the area of Redland Road, Montgomery Village Avenue, and Stedwick Road. According to police, Clipper is accused of burglarizing and damaging property at these locations during his rash of robberies:  An Exterior ATM damage at the Bank of America in the 17500 block of Redland Road; Forcing entry and st…
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. …
'Jaws Of Life' ATM Robber Arrested After Prince George's County Chase, More Suspects Wanted: PD 'Jaws Of Life' ATM Robber Arrested After Prince George's County Chase, More Suspects Wanted: PD
'Jaws Of Life' ATM Robber Arrested After Prince George's County Chase, More Suspects Wanted: PD Authorities have arrested a man they say is connected to a series of robberies dubbed the "Jaws of Life ATM String” following a police chase in Prince’s George’s County. Stefon Janey, 31, of Upper Marlboro, was arrested Wednesday, March 13 after a police chase in Prince George’s County involving detectives, patrol officers and the Aviation Section, the PGPD said. Janey was indicted this week in connection with eight robberies in the county earlier this year, including at convenience stores in the 8600 block of Baltimore Avenue and the 8200 block of Martin Luther King Junior Highwa…
Man Terrorized Ex-GF With Gun Before Barricade Situation In Maryland, Police Say Man Terrorized Ex-GF With Gun Before Barricade Situation In Maryland, Police Say
Man Terrorized Ex-GF With Gun Before Barricade Situation In Maryland, Police Say The man who terrorized his ex-girlfriend before barricading himself inside a Carroll County home is facing a series of criminal charges, the Westminster Police Department announced. Matthew Skirka, 30, was arrested early on Wednesday morning following a standoff with officers after he kicked down his ex's door following a confrontation earlier on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Officers from the department were called at around 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday night to the 200 block of East Main Street in Westminster, where there were reports of shots fired in the area involving Skirka and his ex-girlfriend.  …
Fugitive Faces Fresh Charges Following Hours-Long Standoff With Police In Maryland Fugitive Faces Fresh Charges Following Hours-Long Standoff With Police In Maryland
Fugitive Faces Fresh Charges Following Hours-Long Standoff With Police In Maryland Police in Prince George's County were able to peacefully resolve a standoff on Sunday after a fugitive with several warrants out for his arrest was caught in a stolen car and barricaded himself inside a Laurel home. Jason Nathaniel Marks, 40, is facing fresh charges following his latest arrest following an incident that played out in the early hours of Sunday, Jan. 28. Officers from the Laurel Police Department were called by a carjacking victim about a stolen vehicle in the area of the 14600 block of Philip Court, officials say. They were able to quickly track down the stolen vehicle, driv…
Intoxicated Woman Disrobed After Breaking Into Two Maryland Homes, Police Say Intoxicated Woman Disrobed After Breaking Into Two Maryland Homes, Police Say
Intoxicated Woman Disrobed After Breaking Into Two Maryland Homes, Police Say A spitting-mad burglar who broke into several Annapolis homes and rang in the New Year in her birthday suit has been released from custody, police say. Local resident Emily Morton, 33, is facing charges after she allegedly broke into several homes in her neighborhood while intoxicated on Monday, Jan. 1 and made her presence known. According to a spokesperson from the Annapolis Police Department, officers were called at around 8:30 p.m. on New Year's Day to the 600 block of Americana Drive to investigate a reported burglary. Responding officers found Morton, who allegedly entered one home w…
Naked Woman's Wild Night In MD Ends With Trespassing Bust In Prison Clothes: Sheriff Naked Woman's Wild Night In MD Ends With Trespassing Bust In Prison Clothes: Sheriff
Naked Woman's Wild Night In MD Ends With Trespassing Bust In Prison Clothes: Sheriff Thirteen hours likely felt like a lifetime for members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office who arrested a woman twice in the same day for a strange series of wild offenses. Lusby resident Shelley Marie Dodson, 51, put sheriff’s deputies through the paces earlier this month, when she started her morning in handcuffs, and then was released and locked up while still donning her jail clothes later that afternoon, according to information released by officials on Wednesday, June 21. Dodson’s fateful day began shortly before 2 a.m. on Friday, June 16, when the agency was alerted about a report…
Tow Truck Driver Tracked Down After Crashing Through MD Restaurant During Assault Tow Truck Driver Tracked Down After Crashing Through MD Restaurant During Assault
Tow Truck Driver Tracked Down After Crashing Through MD Restaurant During Assault The tow truck driver from Washington, DC who intentionally rammed his vehicle into the side of a Prince George’s County restaurant in an attempt to gain access to an employee has been tracked down by investigators weeks after a reported assault. Josyah Brown, 24, who had been wanted for reckless endangerment since an incident earlier this month, has been apprehended after nearly three weeks on the run, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department on Monday, April 24. The incident was called in shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4 at a restaurant in the 2900 block of Col…
Son Ordered Out Of House Busted For Setting Blaze Inside Parents' Home: Maryland Fire Marshal Son Ordered Out Of House Busted For Setting Blaze Inside Parents' Home: Maryland Fire Marshal
Son Ordered Out Of House Busted For Setting Blaze Inside Parents' Home: Maryland Fire Marshal A man with apparent “daddy issues” is facing charges for allegedly setting his parents’ Charles Count home on fire over the weekend. Jordan Christopher Robinson, 21, is facing arson and other charges for attempting to set a Waldorf home ablaze, though his efforts were quickly thwarted by fire sprinklers, according to Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci. At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, officials said that first responders were called to the 9200 block of Misting Court when a homeowner reported that his son may have set a fire inside the house. Investigators from the C…
Wanted Rapist Rips Off GPS Tracker Ahead Of Maryland Trial: Sheriff Wanted Rapist Rips Off GPS Tracker Ahead Of Maryland Trial: Sheriff
Wanted Rapist Rips Off GPS Tracker Ahead Of Maryland Trial: Sheriff An alleged rapist in Southern Maryland is at large in St. Mary’s County after removing his electric monitor in advance of his upcoming trial, authorities said. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office issued an alert on Tuesday, Dec. 27 as they seek the public's assistance in tracking down Walter Crouse Prentiss, 42, who has no fixed address, and is wanted on a host of charges. Specifically, Prentiss is wanted for: First-degree rape; Three counts of first-degree assault; Three counts of second-degree assault; Malicious destruction of property. It is alleged that Prentiss was incarcerated a…
Firebug Accused Of Intentionally Burning Down Elderly Neighbor's Garage In Maryland Firebug Accused Of Intentionally Burning Down Elderly Neighbor's Garage In Maryland
Firebug Accused Of Intentionally Burning Down Elderly Neighbor's Garage In Maryland An alleged arsonist in Maryland has been apprehended for allegedly intentionally burning an elderly neighbor's garage to the ground in Harford County earlier this year. Jacob Kyle Hickman, 25, was arrested on a warrant following the investigation into a mid-October incendiary fire that destroyed an 80-year-old woman's garage and all its contents in Aberdeen, the Maryland State Fire Marshal announced on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Original story - Trespasser Intentionally Sets Blaze That Destroys Aberdeen Garage, Volvo: Fire Marshal Shortly before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, first responder…