Arson Suspect Arrested After May Fire At Aldie Home: Authorities

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — An arson at an Aldie home in May has led to an arrest, the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office said in a news release.

No injuries were reported in the fire, but authorities estimated that the blaze caused $45,000 in damage.

The suspect, Christopher Hope, is charged with burning or destroying a house. Authorities announced his arrest on Wednesday.

Hope was released on bond from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

If convicted, Hope could face up to 10 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The fire occurred around 8 a.m. on May 14, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue officials said in a news release. A 911 caller in the 25000 block of Purebred Court reported a fire on a neighbor's deck.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they were able to extinguish the blaze and keep it contained to the deck area.

The fire marshal's office opened an investigation into the cause of the fire and determined that it was intentionally set. Authorities said they opened a criminal investigation, which led to the charges for Hope.