DORCHESTER COUNTY, MD -Deputy State Fire Marshals have arrested two Dorchester County men, Paul Ellwood (43) and Edwin Krell (46), for arson in connection with a fire set in early March. The fire occurred in a duck blind at Bluff Point in Hoopersville.
An investigation into the incident determined that the fire was intentionally set, causing $2,000 in damages to the duck blind. The Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Company responded with five firefighters and controlled the fire in 32 minutes. Before their arrival, the fire had spread to the surrounding marshland.
Ellwood and Krell were identified as suspects, and arrest warrants were issued once sufficient probable cause was established. They were arrested without incident while driving on Smithville Road in Taylor’s Island. The suspects appeared virtually before a court commissioner at the Dorchester County Detention Center and were released on a $5,000 bond.
Both men face charges of second-degree arson, conspiracy to commit second-degree arson, and first and second-degree malicious burning, along with reckless endangerment. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of up to 44 years in prison.
