13-Yr-Old Boy Charged with Arson After Allegedly Igniting Fires in Forest Hill Klein’s ShopRite

From the Maryland State Fire Marshal:

Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged a thirteen year old male juvenile in connection with two fires at the Klein’s ShopRite located at 2101 Rock Spring Road in Forest Hill.

Investigators determined the youth ignited bags of charcoal located on the shelf displays inside the store with a match yesterday morning at approximately 9:50 a.m. The fire continued to ignite several more bags of charcoal before being extinguished by an employee with a portable fire extinguisher. Damages from this incident include the product on the shelves and the shelf display as well. The smoke and fire damage loss to the contents to the store is valued at approximately $5,000. During the investigation deputies determined the youth had been in the store the previous week and had ignited popcorn bags which self extinguished. There were no reported injuries for either incident.

The youth has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services and faces two counts of Arson 1st Degree and two counts of Reckless Endangerment.