WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD — A Hagerstown man was arrested early Sunday after setting fire to his estranged partner’s personal items, an act that led to damage at a home where their two children were staying, officials said.
Brian Allen Blank, 41, faces several charges, including first-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, reckless endangerment, and intoxicated endangerment. The incident occurred just before 3:00 a.m. at 1004 Corbett Street in Hagerstown, where emergency crews responded to a report of a fire in the yard.
Hagerstown firefighters arrived to find clothing burning in the front yard.
They quickly extinguished the flames before they could engulf the home, which was occupied by Blank’s 17-year-old and 11-year-old children at the time.
Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal determined that Blank had thrown his estranged partner’s clothes onto the lawn, doused them in gasoline, and lit them on fire. Police on the scene reported that Blank tried to re-enter the house as they arrived but was immediately detained.
Damage from the fire extended to the home’s front porch and door. The children’s mother was informed of the incident and confirmed the burned items were hers. She later took custody of the children.
Blank was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is currently held without bond.
Key Points
- Brian Allen Blank, 41, was arrested for arson after setting fire to his estranged partner’s clothing.
- The incident caused property damage at a home where their children, ages 17 and 11, were staying.
- Blank remains in custody without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.