He’s been turned over the custody of his parents.
Hampstead, Md (KM) The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has charged an 11-year-old boy with setting fire to the Dollar General Store in Hampstead earlier this month. . .The youth was identified last weekend during an investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office, Hampstead Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He is charged with 1st-degree arson, and has been turned over to the custody of his parents.
“I would like to thank the residents of Carroll County for their support since this devastating fire,” says Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci, in a statement. “I’d also liked to express our gratitude for the assistance of the Hampstead Police Department with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.”
On Saturday, September 3rd at 5:00 PM, the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding fire departments and the Hampstead Police responded to the Dollar General Store at 846 South Main Street for a building fire. Fire fighters arriving on the scene updated the blaze to a second-alarm. That brought in units from Baltimore and Adams Counties to help put out the flames. .
It took one hour for fire fighters to bring the flames under control. There were no injuries.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds parents that juvenile fire setting contributes to dozen of fires in Maryland. It says about half of those fires are started using smoking materials such as matches and lighters. Fire officials remind parents and caregivers to keep these items away from children, and explain the dangers of fires.
By Kevin McManus