4 Face New Charges In Lorton Fire That Caused Up To $1.3M In Damage

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Four people previously charged in connection with a June fire that caused an estimated $1 million to $1.3 million in damage at Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue Training Facility in Lorton now face additional charges, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials.

The new charges include felony counts of burning personal property against two adults, misdemeanor mischievous fire play charges against another adult and a juvenile, according to a Thursday announcement from the department's Office of the Fire Marshal.

The charges stem from a June 27 fire at a storage facility containing heavy equipment in the 9000 block of Furnace Road. Firefighters responded around 5:20 p.m. and found the facility engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported.

New Charges Filed Against Four Suspects

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department identified the four people facing additional charges as:

• Ricky Torres, 26, of Fairfax: Charged with burning personal property. Fairfax County General District Court records show Torres was charged with a Class 4 felony under Virginia Code § 18.2-81. The charge was filed Oct. 6 in connection with the June 27 fire. Torres was arrested Oct. 5 and subsequently released on his own recognizance.
• Brice Bartley, 18, of Fairfax: Charged with misdemeanor mischievous fire play under the Fairfax County Code. Court records show the charge was filed Oct. 8 and stems from the June 27 incident. Bartley was arrested Oct. 6 and released on his own recognizance.
• Aidan Smith, 18, of Clifton: Charged with two felony counts of burning personal property. One charge relates to the June 27 fire, while the second involves a separate fire at the same property on June 25. Court records show both Class 4 felony charges were filed Oct. 8. Smith was arrested Oct. 7 and released on his own recognizance.
• A 17-year-old juvenile: Charged with mischievous fire play. Authorities did not release the juvenile's identity.

The new charges follow an investigation involving the Fairfax County Fire Marshal's Office, Fairfax County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Investigation Led To September Arrests

As Patch previously reported, Fairfax County police announced charges against six people in September following an investigation into the fire.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing several individuals entering the training facility before the fire and leaving the property after the blaze began, according to fire officials.

RELATED: Police Seek Help Identifying People After Fairfax USAR Training Facility Fire

Authorities released surveillance footage and sought the public's assistance in identifying those involved. The footage generated tips from community members and Crime Solvers of Fairfax County.

Investigators subsequently identified a vehicle connected to the incident and developed additional leads that helped identify six suspects.

On Sept. 3, investigators executed simultaneous search and arrest warrants at three residences, with assistance from Fairfax County police specialty units and federal ATF agents.

RELATED: 6 Charged In Lorton Fire That Caused Up To $1.3M In Damage

The six suspects initially faced burglary and trespassing charges related to the June 27 incident. The four people named in Thursday's announcement were among those previously charged, according to fire officials.

The fire initially prompted an arson investigation after it severely damaged the county's search and rescue training facility. Patch previously reported that investigators were searching for suspects in connection with the blaze.

Court Hearings Scheduled For December

Court records reviewed by Patch provide additional details about the pending criminal proceedings.

Torres is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. in Fairfax County General District Court on the new felony charge and his earlier burglary and trespassing charges.

Smith is also scheduled for preliminary hearings Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. on the two felony charges related to the June 25 and June 27 fires.

Bartley is scheduled to appear in Fairfax County General District Court on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. for a preliminary hearing on his earlier burglary charge and a hearing on the mischievous fire play charge.

RELATED: Fire at Fairfax USAR Training Facility Was Arson, Chief Davis Says

Court records also show Bartley faces a separate show-cause proceeding involving an alleged violation of pretrial release conditions. That matter was filed Oct. 27, and a review hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7. The available records do not specify the circumstances of the alleged violation.

The court records reviewed by Patch do not show final dispositions in the pending adult cases.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.