First Responder Charged with Arson in Bowleys Quarters Blaze: Police

An EMT is charged with arson more than a year after his home in Bowleys Quarters went up in flames, according to officials.

Joseph Alphonzo Heinze II, 33, of the 3300 block of Taylor Avenue, was charged with first-degree arson. After authorities reported he was denied bail Wednesday, Heinze was released Thursday, court records show.

Authorities said that Heinze told investigators he left his home in the 3900 block of Cutty Sark Road on May 22, 2015, and when he returned, it was on fire. Detectives allege Heinze was the person who started the fire and obtained a warrant for his arrest on Dec. 6.

Heinze, who is a probationary emergency medical technician with the Baltimore City Fire Department, is also a member of the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department, police said. Officials reported he has been suspended by the fire company.

Photo of Joseph Heinze courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.