Man Charged With Arson After Setting Senior's Garage On Fire: Official

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — An Aberdeen man has been arrested after Maryland deputy state fire marshals said he was responsible for intentionally setting a senior resident's garage on fire in mid-October.

With the assistance of the Aberdeen Police Department, Jacob Kyle Hickman, 25, was arrested Wednesday after investigators obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Oct. 19 just before 4 a.m., the Aberdeen Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 343 Carter St. for a report of a garage fire. Firefighters arrived within minutes and discovered a one-car detached garage on fire.

The fire was so intense that it caused significant damage to the neighbor's garage and the vehicle next door, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. It took about five minutes and 25 firefighters to control the blaze.

The garage was determined to be a total loss with an estimated $100,000 in damages. The fire also destroyed the 80-year-old female owner's 2004 Volvo inside the structure.

Deputy state fire marshals, along with K9 Kachina and surveillance video, concluded the fire was an act of arson.

"Arson is a heinous crime that is aggressively and thoroughly investigated. Our agency is dedicated to protecting the citizens and visitors of Maryland. Such a violent act against one of our older adults is especially appalling. I hope this arrest comforts her and the community just before the holidays," said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

Hickman has been charged with two counts of second-degree arson, two counts of first-degree malicious burning, two counts of malicious destruction of property over $1,000, second- and fourth-degree burglary, and trespassing on private property.