Man, Woman Facing Charges After Fiery Explosion Rattles Anne Arundel Co.

LOTHIAN, MD — Two people are facing arson and reckless endangerment charges after an explosion and fire were reported at a Lothian community.

Court records show Josie Castro, 25, and Antonio Lopez, 30, are facing the following charges:

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Castro, of Lothian:

• Conspiracy to commit first-degree arson
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree malicious burning
• Reckless endangerment

Lopez, of Waldorf:

• First- and second-degree arson
• First-degree malicious burning
• Reckless endangerment

A Monday release issued by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department states the incident was reported Friday at the Boone's Mobile Estates.

Authorities said first responders arrived at 298 Rips Drive shortly after 10 a.m., finding a fire that amounted to about $80,000 in property damage. Residents in the area reported hearing an explosion before seeing a fire emerge from the home.

No injuries were reported at the scene.

In addition to arson investigators from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, authorities were joined by officials from the Annapolis City Fire Department and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the scene.

Following both a review of the scene and witness testimony, authorities arrested Castro and Lopez.

While officials have not detailed how the pair were connected to the explosion, they did indicate Castro lived at the home with her aunt, who owns the mobile home. Lopez is known to Castro but does not live at the residence.

Castro was released on her own recognizance, whereas Lopez remains held without bond. A preliminary hearing for Lopez is booked for Nov. 18, as Castro is expected to return to court Dec. 11.

Officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact investigators at (410) 222-8477.