Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
WASHINGTON D.C. MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON TO HIS VEHICLE CHARLES COUNTY, MD (May 6, 2011) – An investigation into a vehicle fire, which occurred on March 18, 2011 on Diggs Road in Bel Alton, MD, revealed the owner, Mark Douglas Byrd (23) of Franklin Street in Washington D.C., was responsible for the fire involving his 2004 Jaguar. Damages to the vehicle were estimated at $6,000. Deputy State Fire Marshals developed sufficient evidence for a warrant to be issued for Byrd’s arrest. On April 28, 2011, Byrd was apprehended on the arrest warrant and was extradited today to the Charles County Detention Center on Arson 2nd Degree and Insurance Fraud. He is currently awaiting a bond hearing. If convicted of the charges, Byrd faces penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment and/or $40,000 in fines.
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Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208