Tag:

Arson

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…
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…
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…
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…
Suspect Arrested For Threat Of Arson After Shed Burned To Ground: Maryland Fire Marshal Suspect Arrested For Threat Of Arson After Shed Burned To Ground: Maryland Fire Marshal
Suspect Arrested For Threat Of Arson After Shed Burned To Ground: Maryland Fire Marshal A 34-year-old man is facing an arson charge after being apprehended in connection to a shed fire in Maryland last month, according to the state fire marshal. Kwame Custis has been charged with the threat of arson following an incident on July 2 on Cannon Street in Chestertown that saw a shed burned down, causing $10,000 in damages. Shortly before midnight on July 2, members of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company were called to the residence when a neighbor reported seeing a fire in a nearby shed.  According to the fire marshal, the homeowners were alerted to the fire and two adjace…
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…
Minors Accused Of Molotov Cocktail Incidents In Maryland, Fire Marshal Says (UPDATED) Minors Accused Of Molotov Cocktail Incidents In Maryland, Fire Marshal Says (UPDATED)
Minors Accused Of Molotov Cocktail Incidents In Maryland, Fire Marshal Says (Updated) Two children have been identified as the pair wanted in connection to several incidents involving Molotov cocktails in Maryland, the fire marshal announced. Shortly after 3 a.m. on June 12, members of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office responded to four homes in the 1000 block of Tuscola Avenue and one in the 800 block of Oneida Avenue for reported incidents at each residence, officials say. The Fire Marshal was called in to assist with the investigation, and multiple Molotov cocktail-type destruct devices were placed at the front door of each home. Investigators were able to o…
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…
Attempted Arsons Involving 'Molotov Cocktails' In Maryland Under Investigation (VIDEO) Attempted Arsons Involving 'Molotov Cocktails' In Maryland Under Investigation (VIDEO)
Attempted Arsons Involving 'Molotov Cocktails' In Maryland Under Investigation (Video) Recognize them? The Maryland Fire Marshal is attempting to track down wanted suspects as they continue to investigate a series of attempted arsons that were reported in multiple addresses on Wednesday morning. Shortly after 3 a.m. on June 12, members of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office responded to four homes in the 1000 block of Tuscola Avenue and one in the 800 block of Oneida Avenue for reported incidents at each residence, officials say. The Fire Marshal was called in to assist with the investigation, and multiple Molotov cocktail-type destruct devices were placed at the front…
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 …
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
Woman Conspiring To Throw Molotov Cocktail Through Maryland Window Sentenced: Prosecutors 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. …
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…
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…
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…
Man Found In Burning Apartment Was Shot, Killed In MD, Police Say Man Found In Burning Apartment Was Shot, Killed In MD, Police Say
Man Found In Burning Apartment Was Shot, Killed In MD, Police Say It didn't take long for police in Prince George's County to apprehend a man wanted for allegedly fatally shooting a man whose body was found in a burning apartment earlier this week.  Lanham resident Marcel Billups, 40, is facing multiple murder charges after being connected to the death of 56-year-old Roger Neal, of Hyattsville, authorities announced on Friday, May 5. The investigation was launched shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, when officers with the Hyattsville Police Department were called to the 6100 block of 42nd Avenue to assist Prince George's County firefighters who wer…
Kidnapper Who Killed, Burned Victim In MD Over Reported Stolen Cell Phone Dispute Convicted Kidnapper Who Killed, Burned Victim In MD Over Reported Stolen Cell Phone Dispute Convicted
Kidnapper Who Killed, Burned Victim In MD Over Reported Stolen Cell Phone Dispute Convicted Years after the grisly murder of a mother who was found dead nude inside a burning, vacant home in Maryland, a second suspect will face justice for her role in the fatal 2018 kidnapping, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced. Bobie Barncord, 33, of Glen Burnie was found guilty of all counts for the murder of 29-year-old Tiffany Jones in August 2018, who was kidnapped and left for dead inside a burning building. On Aug. 21, 2018, prosecutors say that members of the Baltimore Police Department were alerted that Jones had been taken at knifepoint by a man known only as “Philly” …
Arsonist Admits To Torching Temple Hills Apartment Arsonist Admits To Torching Temple Hills Apartment
Arsonist Admits To Torching Temple Hills Apartment A Temple Hills man has been charged with intentionally setting an apartment fire that caused upwards of a million dollars in damages and left several people without a home, according to officials. Local resident Anthony Cooper, 50, has been charged with arson and reckless endangerment after being identified by witnesses as a suspect who set an incendiary fire late on Thursday night in Temple Hills. The fire was reported at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, when first responders were called to the 3300 block of Huntley Square Drive, and Cooper was immediately identified as a su…
Arson Suspect Indicted After Anne Arundel Fire At Old Glen Burnie Fast Food Joint Arson Suspect Indicted After Anne Arundel Fire At Old Glen Burnie Fast Food Joint
Arson Suspect Indicted After Anne Arundel Fire At Old Glen Burnie Fast Food Joint The man who set fire behind an abandoned fast food restaurant in Maryland has been indicted by a grand jury on arson and other charges, officials announced. Pasadena resident Robert Lee Wagner, 39, is facing multiple charges for an incident in February when he allegedly set fire to a commercial shed behind Checkers on Mountain Road. It is alleged that shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, a passerby reported to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department that a miscellaneous debris stacked around the back of the abandoned restaurant had been tampered with. When firefighters arrived, the…
Revengers Assemble: Shooter Seeking To Avenge Friend's Brother's Murder In Baltimore Convicted Revengers Assemble: Shooter Seeking To Avenge Friend's Brother's Murder In Baltimore Convicted
Revengers Assemble: Shooter Seeking To Avenge Friend's Brother's Murder In Baltimore Convicted On Jan 20, 2020, Murphy and Cornelius Bruce set out to seek revenge against Christopher Brown for the murder of the latter’s brother, Cordelle Bruce, the previous week. Prosecutors say that Murphy and Bruce drove a rented black Ford F-150 to the 1000 block of Reverdy Road, where they found Christopher Brown and began shooting at him. During the shootout, a bullet meant for Brown struck Cornelius Bruce, killing him. In an attempt to cover up the actions and dupe police investigators, Murphy then drove the rented pick-up truck with Bruce’s body inside to an abandoned field in the 2800 block o…
Former Police Chief In Maryland Convicted Of Targeted Arson Attacks: State's Attorney Former Police Chief In Maryland Convicted Of Targeted Arson Attacks: State's Attorney
Former Police Chief In Maryland Convicted Of Targeted Arson Attacks: State's Attorney The Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking multiple life sentences for a former police chief in Maryland who was connected to a dozen different arson cases that spanned multiple counties over two decades. David Crawford, 71, was found guilty by a jury on multiple attempted murder and other charges for his lengthy crime spree that stretched out for years, Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson announced on Thursday, March 9. Specifically, Crawford was found guilty on Thursday of: Eight counts of first-degree attempted murder; Three counts of first-degree arson; Malicious …
Man Charged After Pouring Gasoline On Himself, Setting Fire To Calvert County Home: Officials Man Charged After Pouring Gasoline On Himself, Setting Fire To Calvert County Home: Officials
Man Charged After Pouring Gasoline On Himself, Setting Fire To Calvert County Home: Officials The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has charged a Huntingtown man with allegedly pouring gasoline and intentionally setting his Calvert County home ablaze, according to officials on Monday, March 6. Maximillian X. Robinson, 29, is facing an arson charge following an incident where he doused himself in gasoline at a Huntingtown home. Police say that in late February, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and Huntingtown Fire Department responded to the 3300 block of Ben Oak Drive, where there were reports of a man pouring gasoline on himself and other items. According to the f…
Pair Faces Life In Prison For Using Explosive Device To Rob 7-Eleven ATMs In DMV Region Pair Faces Life In Prison For Using Explosive Device To Rob 7-Eleven ATMs In DMV Region
Pair Faces Life In Prison For Using Explosive Device To Rob 7-Eleven ATMs In DMV Region Two men are facing federal charges in Maryland for an explosive scheme that saw them set fire to convenience stores in an effort to rob ATMs, according to officials. Stephen Kennedy, 33, of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Donnell Kelly, 33, of Washington, DC, have been charged on a 10-count indictment by a federal grand jury on a host of charges following a yearlong conspiracy. Prosecutors say that between January 2021 and January 2022, the pair conspired to commit arsons at 7-Eleven stores so that they could obtain cash contained in ATMs inside the stores.  Specifically, the indictment …
Maryland Firebug Who Intentionally Set House On Fire During Thanksgiving Charged With Arson Maryland Firebug Who Intentionally Set House On Fire During Thanksgiving Charged With Arson
Maryland Firebug Who Intentionally Set House On Fire During Thanksgiving Charged With Arson A 41-year-old man who intentionally burned his own house to the ground on Thanksgiving will face decades in prison after being apprehended for arson, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Talbot County resident Fred Rider III is facing multiple counts of arson and other charges for allegedly setting his own house on fire on Nov. 24, 2022, officials said. According to the fire marshal, approximately four dozen firefighters were called to 27930 Peach Orchard Road in Easton on Thanksgiving to extinguish a fire that was reported in the home. It took firefighters an estimated 30 minutes…