ABERDEEN, MD – State officials have arrested a suspect wanted for setting a fire to an elderly woman’s garage in Abderdeen. Deputy State Fire Marshals have arrested an Aberdeen man for intentionally setting a senior resident’s garage on fire in mid-October.
Jacob Kyle Hickman, 25, was arrested yesterday after investigators obtained a warrant for his arrest with the assistance of the Aberdeen Police Department.
Aberdeen Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to a reported garage fire at 343 Carter Street on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, before 4 a.m. Firefighters responded within minutes and discovered a detached one-car garage on fire within minutes of arriving. The fire was so intense that it caused significant damage to the neighbor’s garage and the vehicle next door. It took approximately five minutes and twenty-five firefighters to contain the fire. In addition to the garage being a total loss, the 80-year-old female owner’s 2004 Volvo was also destroyed in the fire.
Investigators, along with K9 Kachina and surveillance video, concluded the fire was the result of arson. The investigators have been diligent and steadfast in their investigation, including multiple interviews, which led them to identify Hickman as the suspect.
The investigation continues into the motive and the connection between Hickman and the victim.
“Arson is a heinous crime that is aggressively and thoroughly investigated. Our agency is dedicated to protecting the citizens and visitors of Maryland. Such a violent act against one of our older adults is especially appalling. I hope this arrest comforts her and the community just before the holidays,” stated Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.
Hickman has been charged with two counts of second-degree arson, two counts of first-degree malicious burning, two counts of malicious destruction of property over $1,000, second and fourth-degree burglary, and trespassing on private property.