DOWELL, Md. (Sept. 30, 2008) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged Gary Albert Dunning, Jr., 22, of Easton, Maryland with intentionally setting fire to a occupied single family, two story, wood frame dwelling. Investigators determined that Dunning intentionally set fire to the dwelling because of a relationship dispute.
The fire at 13536 Osprey Lane, Dowell, Calvert County, occurred September 19, 2008 at 2:15 a.m. The owner of the property, Roger Harvey, discovered the fire on the rear deck. The owner was able to extinguish the fire before the Solomon Fire Department arrived. The fire caused $100.00 dollars in damage to the deck. There were no injuries reported at the scene.
Deputy State Fire Marshals arrested Dunning after he was seen by Harvey running away from the property. Calvert County Sheriff’s Office located Dunning in the neighborhood and held him for questioning.
Dunning is charged with first degree arson and second degree malicious burning. Dunning was being held at the Calvert County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
If convicted of these charges Dunning could face penalties of up to 30 years in prison and or $55,000.00 in fines.
Source: Maryland State Fire Marshal