DOWELL, Md. (Oct. 30, 2008)—Deputy State Fire Marshals have arrested a man in connection with setting a fire at an occupied home. Gary Dunning Jr., 22, of Salisbury was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon at his home without incident.
The charges stem from a September 19, 2008 fire at 13536 Osprey Lane, Calvert County. Fire Marshals determined the 2:30 A.M. fire was the result of Dunning dousing clothing with an ignitable liquid, setting it on fire, and throwing it onto the back porch of the home. The occupants discovered the fire and extinguished it quickly which resulted in minimal damage. The incident is reported to have been motivated by a previous argument between Dunning and an occupant of the home.
Dunning has been charged with first degree arson, second degree malicious burning, and three counts of attempted murder. An arrest warrant was issued for arson and malicious burning and was then followed by a grand jury indictment for the attempted murder charges. Dunning is currently being held at the Calvert County Detention Center pending a District Court Commissioner hearing.
Source: Maryland State Fire Marshall