Calvert County, Md. – A Prince Frederick man known for filming emergency responses for social media content has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a vacant commercial building and making false 911 calls to capture footage of firefighters in action. Authorities say the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Joshua Christian-Stanley Jackson, was taken into custody following an investigation into a blaze that occurred on February 22, 2025, in Newburg.
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, firefighters from the Newburg Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to a call about a commercial building fire at 12535 Crain Highway at approximately 8:30 p.m. Upon arrival, crews discovered flames inside the vacant structure and quickly extinguished the fire. Investigators later determined the fire had been intentionally set.
During the investigation, authorities identified Jackson as the first 911 caller reporting the incident. Jackson, who regularly films emergency responders for various social media platforms, claimed he had been returning from a DoorDash delivery in King George County, Virginia, when he discovered the fire and documented its progression in detail. Investigators, however, found that Jackson had not traveled to Virginia that evening and uncovered a pattern of false 911 calls made in Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties.
When questioned by authorities, Jackson admitted to setting the fire and detailed how he had profited from filming emergency responses for his online accounts. He was arrested on February 28, 2025, and charged with second-degree arson, malicious burning, and causing a false fire alarm. He is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray condemned Jackson’s actions, stating that arson is a serious crime that endangers lives and burdens first responders. He emphasized that making false 911 calls is illegal and warned that those who engage in reckless behavior will be held accountable. Investigators are continuing to examine past emergency calls and incidents that Jackson may have reported, and additional charges could follow.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
I hope bond is not granted at anytime to him.
when you are disgruntled, its better to make comments on websites like these, where the comments are approved. If you’re your own editor, you stand the chance of making comments that are not reacted to well.
The person who made this false report should be paying the salary for everyone involved in going to the scene from the time they left THIER homes etc till the time they got back home, the time any other emergency person was on a phone etc. They should also make a 1,0000 donation to the fire department that answered a false call.
In this black privilege , behaving entitled or a sovereign citizen bucking democracy and the rule of law. ??? . Test failure .. Prison is not a form of slavery as many will argue and as well will fail. Prison is for those whom break the law and endanger others . ENJOY the felony record for the rest of your life ..
That filming , won you the Emmy { award } for arson ..
He should be locked up for a long time after putting so many people in danger. Between the first responders and the public traveling the roadways while emergency vehicles were in route, anything could have happened and all because he wanted to get rich from social media.
But no doubt the judicial system in the FREE State will look the other way.