From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:
HAVRE DE GRACE, Maryland (June 16, 2015) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged three juveniles with arson charges stemming from a fire that occurred on June 13, 2015 at 123 S. Union Avenue in Havre De Grace.
The 12:41 AM fire involved an historic 127-year-old home that was well known to city residents for its ornate stained glass and hand painted windows. Investigators determined the fire originated on a chair located on the front porch and quickly spread to the structure within minutes. Deputy State Fire Marshals worked tirelessly and eventually determined three juveniles had placed sparklers on various homes front porches along South Union Avenue, knocked and ran away with no damages occurring.
The last and final house was the Gorsuch residence, where a juvenile confessed he had thrown a sparkler onto a chair cushion, knocked and ran away again, leaving the sparkler to eventually ignite the cushion. A passerby as well as a Havre De Grace Police Officer discovered the fire. Mr. Gorsuch was able to escape but due to heavy smoke was unable to re-enter the home. With the assistance of the police officer, both were able to yell for Mrs. Gorsuch, who eventually was able to escape.
The male juvenile (15) who threw the sparkler has been charged with 1st Degree Arson, 2nd Degree Arson, 1st Degree Malicious Burning and two counts of Reckless Endangerment. The other two male juveniles (14 &15) were charged as Accessories to the same charges. After consulting with the Department of Juvenile Services, all juveniles were released to the custody of their parents.
“Hand held sparklers burn at 1,200 F° and can quickly ignite combustibles such as fabric. This incident could have easily cost the lives of two innocent victims. With the upcoming Fourth of July season, the Office of State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders to keep fireworks out of the reach of children to avoid turning a holiday into a potential tragedy,” stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci.
Charge them as adults. There were people in the house at the time and both could have been killed by their actions, A slap on the wrist wont serve any purpose.
Poor parenting
Tragic consequences can result from silly tricks. Yet, charging them as adults and having them go to prison seems like the wrong punishment. Instead, have them work to help clean up the mess, help rebuild (learning skills in the process) and speak at county schools to younger children, on fire safety. Have them spend time with burn victims as well. Have the punishment fit the crime. Instead of adding them to a prison population that will do nothing to shape them into upstanding citizens, teach them a real lesson.
They burnt a family out of their home which they restored through their own blood sweat and tears.
The delinquents who should never have been roaming the streets at 1 in the morning. Make their parents pay to rebuild and replace personal items lost.
I agree that they should have to pay and make restitution. I also know that prison isn’t known to make people into upstanding citizens. Make these kids work it off, for sure!! Prison, where they sit for years, earn free college degrees if they choose, and learn how to be a better criminal, all on the taxpayer’s dime? No, not imo.
Great advice!!
Tar and feather the little bastards then string em up
Juvenile Curfew time needs to be in place and hold the parents responsible and fined…may be that will open the parents eyes to their bored children who find it necessary to roam the streets and cause destruction and put lives in danger. Did you have fun punks!? Did you smile, laugh and think you weren’t going to get caught? How many more times were you going to hit other houses and establishments? Do you get your jollies by causing problems, being a 2nd class citizen? You are going down a path of walking up and down Rt 40, hitting convenience store patrons up for cigarette $ and booze? Pathetic…
Not educated and not from good stock
Well said, Boom
You punks have no idea how bad you hurt me, the people of HDG, and property owners. Feel lucky I am not your caregiver, and those responsible for you should be punished as well. To all of America: Clean it up folks.
I know the facts of the case and what truly happened. Until you know what truly happened and know that there was only 1 of 3 that caused the issue, keep your comments to yourself. There are many people suffering right now with strong lessons being learned. I believe this fear alone has awakened the few that needed the eye opening so unless you have something to say that truly makes sense, keep quiet.
Surprised you are not splashing your sensationalism all over WJZ or WBAL, as many of the “know it all’s” seem to do.
Why don’t you keep your mouth shut until the investigation is complete. The only way that you know “what truly happened” was to have been there. If you were indeed present, that makes you an accomplice.
Methinks you are somehow related to one of the 3 hoodlums, so I am sure a sense of protection had come over you while reading the true sentiments of the community regarding your kids. As the previous posted commented, “Clean it up”.
You are WRONG “Let’s Get it Right”! It is what it is ….hoodlums…as posted by LazyDog who brought it on home…Clean it Up!!!
I know what truly happened as well!!! All 3 kids were involved!!! They hit other houses before this one. If they are so innocent why did they stick together and do this to multiple houses??? Let me tell you what-This family lost everything almost did not make it out alive!! These kids were out looking for trouble and that cost another family EVERYTHING they have worked their entire lives for!! Justice better be served!
If you own a Mad Dog you better keep him on a short leash because if you don’t and he hurts someone you will be held responsible. These three Mad Dog pups were out to kill someone and their care givers should take their share of the blame.
Maybe Let’s Get It Right bought the sparklers for his kid.