CUMBERLAND, MD – Police have charged two 13-year-olds for arson. The arrests were connected to a fire at a vacant duplex early Tuesday morning on the 100 block of Grand Avenue.
According to police, on Tuesday morning, just after 5:00 a.m., the Cumberland Fire Department responded to, and discovered a fire within a two-story, vacant duplex.
“It took just minutes to bring the fire under control, and no one was injured. Damage to the home was estimated to be $1,500, and investigators concluded the fire was an intentional act,” police said. “Deputy State Fire Marshals were later joined by Cumberland Police Department and discovered surveillance footage that assisted in identifying the two teenagers.”
State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci commended the investigators’ efforts in quickly closing the case. “The arrest of these suspects reveals our partnership with our fire investigation and law enforcement agencies and their outstanding commitment to Maryland’s citizens and firefighters. We are fortunate no one was injured because we have seen how acts of arson can quickly lead to tragedy as we did this January with the deaths of three Baltimore City firefighters,” Geraci said.
The juveniles were charged with second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property. Both were released to the custody of their parents and will be referred to the Department of Juvenile Services.