HAGERSTOWN, MD — A Hagerstown man was arrested for allegedly setting a fire inside a storage unit that resulted in injuries to a female victim early Thursday morning. Authorities report that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Leviathan Godwin, engaged in an argument with the victim prior to the incident.
Emergency responders from Halfway Volunteer Fire Company received a call about a building fire at Halfway Self Storage located at 17324 Virginia Avenue at approximately 8:00 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find an 8-by-40-foot storage unit engulfed in flames but managed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby units.
Deputy State Fire Marshals quickly arrived on the scene and learned that the victim, who lived in the storage unit, had to escape through flames after Godwin allegedly ignited the fire with the intention of killing her. Fire officials transported the victim to Meritus Medical Center for smoke inhalation treatment.
Deputies distributed a photo of Godwin in the vicinity, leading to a sighting at a nearby Sheetz convenience store where he was taken into custody without incident. “I am grateful that the victim sustained only minor injuries,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.
Godwin faces multiple charges including first and second-degree arson, attempted second-degree murder, and reckless endangerment. He is currently held at the Washington County Detention Center.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds the public that storage units are not suitable for habitation and can pose safety risks. Officials encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to seek safer housing options.