Cumberland Police Arrest Arson Suspect

 A Hancock man was arrested after Deputy State Fire Marshals determined a house fire in Washington County was intentionally set.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at around 6:00 p.m., the Hancock Volunteer Fire Company and several surrounding departments responded to a reported house fire in the 12500 block of Seavolt Road in Hancock. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was later requested to investigate the cause.

During the investigation, investigators learned the occupant had allegedly threatened to set the home on fire before the fire was reported. Based on that information, investigators issued a lookout for the occupant and the vehicle he was believed to be driving.

Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in a bedroom of the home and concluded it was intentionally set.

While investigators remained at the scene, officers with the Cumberland Police Department located and detained the suspect, Joseph Brian Potter, 40.

Porter was later released into the custody of Deputy State Fire Marshals and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he was charged with first-degree arson, arson threat, first-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000.

“Intentionally setting a fire is a reckless act that puts lives, property, and firefighters at risk,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “Our investigators worked quickly to determine the cause, and we’re grateful for the assistance of the Cumberland Police Department in bringing this case to a swift resolution.”