California, MD – A 2005 Mercedes ML500 was deliberately set on fire in St. Mary’s County Saturday morning, May 21, state authorities reported. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Bayside Way in California.
The owner of the vehicle was identified as Stephen Norris. The fire was discovered by a neighbor. Four volunteers from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and brought the fire under control in five minutes. There were no injuries.
Estimated damage to the vehicle was $7,000. The blaze originated in the vehicle’s rear exterior.
After arriving to the scene of the vehicle fire, police discovered a separate fire at a vacant two story townhouse located at 22721 Bayside Way.
Upon investigation, police discovered burn damage to the rear wooden deck of the vacant townhouse.
Police believe someone used an open flame to set three small fires on the deck, which resulted in the damage.
The fires to the townhouse had ceased by the time police discovered the damage.
Anyone with additional information about the fire is asked to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office at 443-550-6833.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com