Juvenile suspects charged in salisbury molotov cocktail attacks — Police Handcuffs- File Photo - Arrest

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD – Two juveniles have been charged in connection with a series of Molotov cocktail incidents that targeted homes in Salisbury’s west side. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation on June 12 after receiving reports from local residents.

The suspects, aged 11 and 14, were identified with the help of home video surveillance footage. Contributions from the community played a critical role; one individual recognized the suspects’ appearances, while another identified their voices from a video. Additionally, a resident using a Ring camera provided crucial evidence that was further corroborated by the suspects’ grandparents, who are also their legal guardians.

After consultations with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and the Wicomico State’s Attorney’s Office, authorities decided to issue a Child in Need of Services (CINS) referral for the 11-year-old and pursue criminal charges against the 14-year-old through DJS. The older juvenile faces 12 counts of reckless endangerment and eight counts of manufacturing destructive devices.

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray expressed gratitude for the investigative team’s efforts, emphasizing the severity of the crimes due to their potential to cause harm. The juveniles admitted to creating and deploying the devices as a misguided form of entertainment, starting with an incident at a home on Oneida Avenue after a confrontation about trespassing.

Mowbray highlighted the importance of community and law enforcement collaboration in addressing this dangerous activity, hoping it would bring some peace of mind to the affected families.

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