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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.

Cesar Augusto Gonzalez-Lopez

Cesar Augusto Gonzalez-Lopez

Photo Credit: Office Of The Maryland State Fire Marshal

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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