Teens Charged After Vehicles Found Burning In Parking Lot

EDGEWOOD, MD — Two teens have been charged in connection to the intentional setting of a vehicle on fire Sunday morning that damaged four others vehicles.

Charges against a third teen are pending.

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Maryland deputy state fire marshals have charged a 13-year-old and 14-year-old in the case.

Shortly before 8 a.m. on May 10, a fire was reported along 1812 Pulaski Highway near Trident Automotive in Edgewood. It took around 20 firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and APG Fire Department an estimated 20 minutes to control the fire, according to the state fire marshal's office.

Deputy state fire marshals determined the fire started in the interior passenger compartment of a small bus parked in the rear lot of the shopping center. Investigators ruled the fire was incendiary after teens intentionally ignited materials inside the vehicle. The fire spread, damaging four vehicles nearby.

At the time the fire was reported, deputies with the Harford County Sheriff's Office saw a heavy column of black smoke coming from the location and later saw one of the teens running from the area, which led to the identification and apprehension of those involved.

"I want to thank the Harford County Sheriff's Office for their quick actions in helping identify those responsible," said Jason M. Mowbray, chief deputy state fire marshal. "Their immediate response and teamwork with our investigators helped bring this case to a quick resolution."

The two teens have been referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services on charges related to arson and malicious burning.

No injuries were reported. Damage has been estimated at $20,000.