Maryland Arson Spree Included 11 Failures
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WASHINGTON — Fire investigators said Wednesday that the arsonists who damaged or destroyed 19 unoccupied houses in Charles County, Md., on Monday tried to set fire to 11 other houses in the subdivision.
Officials released a lot-by-lot account of the early morning incident that showed fires were set or attempted in 30 structures along four streets of the Hunters Brooke subdivision near the southern Maryland community of Indian Head.
Investigators also said they wanted to talk to the driver of a blue van that firefighters saw leaving the housing development. The investigators do not know whether the van was involved, said Capt. Joe Montminy of the Charles County sheriff’s office.
“Obviously, that person is a potential witness, but possibly something more,” Montminy said.
Investigators said some of the arson attempts might have failed because the accelerant did not ignite.
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