Vehicle Fire In Aldie Leads To Arson Charge: Police

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A man from Kentucky has been charged with arson in connection with a vehicle fire in Aldie last weekend, the Loudoun fire marshal's office announced.

Police identified the man as Sean Christopher Palazzo. Court records say that Palazzo is from Florence, Kentucky.

Palazzo is charged with one count of arson of personal property. He is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 7.

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

The fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 in the 41100 block of John Mosby Highway in Aldie. A passerby reported the blaze.

When firefighters arrived, the fire had already been extinguished, according to the fire marshal's office.

Investigators began to look into the cause of the blaze. They found Palazzo and said he was involved in the incident.

In a news release, fire and rescue officials urged residents to keep their car doors locked.

"Getting into the habit of the 9 p.m. Routine can help protect you and your belongings," officials said in a news release.

According to the fire department, the routine includes removing valuable items from your vehicle, ensuring doors are locked, making sure garage doors are closed, and activating alarm systems at 9 p.m. each night.