CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (May 12, 2011) – An investigation into a vehicle fire, which occurred on March 18 on Diggs Road in Bel Alton, revealed that the vehicle's owner, Mark Douglas Byrd, 23, of Franklin Street in Washington D.C., was responsible for the fire involving his 2004 Jaguar, according to the office of the State Fire Marshal. Damages to the vehicle were estimated at $6,000.
Deputy State Fire Marshals developed sufficient evidence for a warrant to be issued for Byrd’s arrest. On April 28, Byrd was apprehended on the arrest warrant and was extradited on May 6 to the Charles County Detention Center on Arson 2nd Degree and Insurance Fraud.
If convicted of the charges, Byrd faces penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment and/or $40,000 in fines.