From the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal:
HARFORD COUNTY YOUTH CHARGED WITH ARSON
Deputy State Fire Marshals charged an eight year-old male after determining he was responsible for intentionally igniting a fire in the 2nd story level of a two-car garage at 1515 Maple Avenue in Perryman.
The one alarm 5:53 p.m. fire on July 13, 2015, was placed under control within 10 minutes by approximately 30 firefighters from Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Abingdon Fire Departments. The fire was contained to the 2nd floor and caused an estimated $2,500 in damage to the structure and contents.
Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Maryland State Police gathered evidence at the scene and reviewed video surveillance which revealed the youth as the suspect.
The juvenile male was charged with 1st Degree Arson, 2nd Degree Arson, 1st Degree Malicious Burning and 3rd Degree Burglary. He was released to the custody of his father pending actions by the Department of Juvenile Services.
PERRYVILLE MAN CHARGED FOR ARSON INCIDENT
An investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal has led to the arrest of John Gregory Nichols (50) of Perryville.
Investigators were requested to respond for a 1:45 p.m. fire in a parking lot on Thursday, July 2, 2015, shortly after an altercation at Thompson’s Towing located at 609 South Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen, Harford County. Witnesses observed the suspect pour an accelerant on the ground near a tow truck and ignited it as he drove away in his vehicle. The subsequent investigation caused for an arrest warrant to be issued for arson related charges against Nichols.
He was placed under arrest at his home in Perryville today and was brought before the Cecil County District Court Commissioner. Nichols was charged with 1st Degree Malicious Burning, Trespassing and Malicious Destruction of Property and released on a $5,000 bond.
I don’t know if its productive to charge an 8 year old with Arson. Probably should charge the parents some sort of improper supervision charges. They are responsible for the minor and the damages when all is said and done.
Why wouls they charge an 8 year old with all those charges? Was the mid intentionally trying tobburn it down or made a mistake?
i remember when i was 6 i burned down a barn with my neighbor because we were trying to light a fire to play house and we did not intend to burn it down. Scary as sh*t moment when we realized what we had done.
We were not charged. I did not attempt to burn anything inside a building again as i learned my lesson.
Pardon my typos above. I hate typing with a phone.