Oakland man arrested after allegedly setting house fire and returning to scene
GARRETT COUNTY, MD – A 40-year-old Oakland man is behind bars after authorities say he set a fire that caused more than $200,000 in damage to a home, then returned to the scene while investigators were still examining the property.
Deputy State Fire Marshals, working with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and Natural Resources Police, arrested Ryan Lawrence Spann on September 2 after spotting him in the woods near the home on Pergin Farm Road. He was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators said the fire began around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday when the homeowner saw Spann ignite the porch before fleeing on a bicycle. The homeowner chased him and took photos, while a friend tried to put out the flames and called 911. Spann later abandoned the bicycle and ran into the woods.
Multiple fire companies, including Deer Park Community VFD, responded to the scene. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. An investigation determined the fire was intentionally set, causing an estimated $205,000 in damage.
Law enforcement initially cleared the area after failing to locate the suspect, but Deputy State Fire Marshals stayed behind to continue examining the scene. While doing so, they spotted Spann nearby and arrested him.
Spann faces charges of first-degree arson, third-degree burglary, and reckless endangerment. He is being held without bond at the Garrett County Detention Center.
Investigators said there is no connection between Spann and the homeowner, describing the incident as a random act.
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Key Points
- Ryan Lawrence Spann, 40, of Oakland, is accused of setting fire to a Pergin Farm Road home in Garrett County
- The blaze caused $205,000 in damage and left one firefighter with minor injuries
- Spann was arrested after returning to the scene and is charged with arson, burglary, and reckless endangerment