WALDORF, Md. (Jan. 11, 2008) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged a Waldorf juvenile in connection with multiple arson fires that occurred between March 2004 and this year. The fourteen-year-old St. Charles male is currently charged with two counts of arson and four counts of setting fire to trash containers.
The first degree arson charge is a result of a fire at a vacant single family dwelling located at 4387 Rock Court, Waldorf on March 23, 2004 causing over $80,000 in damages.
The second arson fire occurred at 1000 Armes Drive at a vacant 7-11 convenience store on May 5, 2004 and resulted in a charge of second degree arson.
The trash container fires occurred at the Eva Turner Elementary School located at 1000 Bannister Circle, Waldorf. These four fires occurred between September 8, 2005 and the most recent one on January 2, 2008. These fires resulted in $2,800 in total property loss.
The juvenile has been released to the custody of his parents and has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for further action.
Approximately forty arson fires have occurred in the Bannister area that are currently being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office ranging from trash container fires, vehicle fires, and structure fires. The investigation remains ongoing at this time and further charges may be pending.
Source: Maryland State Fire Marshal