Juvenile Set Blaze Near Edgewood Business, Then Watched First Responders Put It Out: Fire Marshal

EDGEWOOD, MD — Authorities are trying to identify the juvenile suspected of setting fire to a dumpster in Edgewood Thursday night behind Goodwill Industries.

At 8:01 p.m. on Thursday, employees of Save A Lot reported that a dumpster was ablaze in the 1800 block of Pulaski Highway, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Ten Joppa-Magnolia firefighters responded and put the blaze out within five minutes, the fire marshal reported.

Investigators determined the blaze was incendiary, or intentionally set. Surveillance video showed the suspect trying to set fire to the dumpster for about 20 minutes, then pictured him watching as the firefighters worked to put out the blaze, according to officials.

The blaze was contained to the dumpster, according to the fire marshal, who said there was $500 in damage to the structure, owned by Waste Management.

The suspect was described as a white or biracial male age 12 to 15 years old who was wearing a large colorful hoodie and dark track/sweat pants with a white stripe down the legs. He was not wearing shoes or socks despite the rain.

Officials said the juvenile is believed to live on Judy Way.

Anyone with information may contact Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire at 410-836-4846 or 443-619-2192.

The suspect was pictured on surveillance footage. Photos courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.