Bel Air Arson: Fire Marshal Identifies Suspect

BEL AIR, MD — A man has been charged in connection with an arson in Bel Air that officials say caused more than $1 million in damage at a business park. If convicted of the charges — which include arson, malicious burning and destruction of property — the fire marshal said he could face 50 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.

Richard Benjamin Lodeski, 43, was arrested Tuesday night by a team of investigators, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

He was charged with two counts of second-degree arson, two counts of first-degree malicious burning, two counts of second-degree malicious burning and two counts of malicious destruction of property over $1,000.

The charges stem from a commercial building fire reported at 3:29 a.m. Sunday in the 1200 block of Belair Road at the Fallston Business Park. Firefighters from multiple companies contained the blaze in 40 minutes. It affected two buildings that contain eight businesses behind Birroteca restaurant, authorities said. Two businesses sustained direct damage, according to the fire marshal, who estimated the loss of contents was more than $1 million.

Investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set Monday and released photos of the suspect Tuesday.

Officials said Wednesday Lodeski was at the Harford County Detention Center awaiting a bail review.

See Also:

• Bel Air Arson Caused $1M In Damage; Fire Marshal Seeks Tips
• Fire Officials Release Photos Of Man Suspected In Bel Air Arson