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Man Charged With Washington County Arson

February 3rd, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded an origin & cause investigation with the arrest of one adult male. The fire, which occurred in the 4800 Block of Churchey Road in Sharpsburg, was dispatched at 11:23 pm on February 1, 2019. The incident brought 38 firefighters from Sharpsburg and surrounding mutual aid departments. The fire was brought under control in approximately two hours and was estimated to have caused $200,000.00 in damage to the one story wood framed single family dwelling and the personal contents of its occupants, James Anderson & Rebecca Finkleman. The home would be considered a complete loss.

The fire scene investigation determined that the fire originated in the basement of the dwelling and was intentionally ignited. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined that the dwelling’s owner, 43 year old James Anderson, was responsible for causing the fire. The investigation revealed that ordinary combustibles were ignited by an open flame device.

Anderson has been charged with Arson 1st Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree and one count of Reckless Endangerment and was transported to Washington County Central Booking without incident.

 

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