Hagerstown Woman Charged With Arson

Authorities say she allegedly set fire to her hotel room.

 

 

Hagerstown, Md (KM) A Hagerstown woman is charged with setting her hotel room on fire. Diane Susan Webster, 66, was arrested early Friday morning near the Motel Six at 1321 Massey Boulevard.. She’s charged with 1st-degree felony arson and reckless endangerment.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says 27  Halfway Volunteer fire fighters responded to the motel at around 2:35 AM, and spend five minutes putting out the flames. Damage is estimated at $2,000.

Authorities say Webster allegedly set fire to her room by igniting paper and cardboard. The fire spread across the carpet and along the sides of the doorway. The other guests in the motel saw smoke coming from the room, and a woman fleeing the scene. Webster was located outside of the motel among trees limbs and weeds.

She was taken to Meritus Medical Center for an evaluation before being transported to the Washington County Detention Center. If she’s convicted, the Fire Marshal’s Office says Webster could face up to 35-years in prison, and/or a total of $55,000 in fines.

Fire officials credit the smoke alarms and the quick response by other guests for the minimal damage from this arson fire.

 

 

By Kevin McManus