Zoe Artis
BOWIE, Md. – The Prince George’s County Fire Chief is commending the partnership of Fire Investigators and States Attorney’s Office in a recent case of Arson. On August 30, 2017, firefighters responded to a house fire in the 900 block of Jackson Valley Court in Bowie, MD. Once on scene, a fire on the exterior wooden deck of the home was extinguished. Personnel from the Fire/EMS Department Office of the Fire Marshal determined the homeowner, Zoe Artis, intentionally set the fire. It was alleged that Artis started a fire in her home because she was upset about an ongoing foreclosure issue.
On Thursday, July 26, 2018, a Prince George’s County Judge found Zoe Artis not competent to stand trial for first-degree arson and related charges.
“We take arson very seriously in Prince George’s County and will vigorously investigate and arrest anyone that is found responsible for this heinous crime,” said Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale. “Our Fire Investigators and States Attorney’s Office have an excellent working partnership in presenting strong cases for prosecuting suspects to the fullest extent permissible. I commend these dedicated public safety individuals, investigators and prosecutors, for their hard work and professionalism.”
Artis has been taken into custody for further evaluation and treatment.