11-year-old boy charged in connection with fire that destroyed Hampstead Dollar General
BALTIMORE -- An 11-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a fire that destroyed a Dollar General store in Hampstead earlier this month, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal said.
On Sept. 3 about 5 p.m., the fire department and police department in the Carroll County town were called to the store 834 S. Main St.
"Firefighters were on the scene within minutes and quickly upgraded the fire to two alarms, bringing firefighters from Carroll, Baltimore, and Adams counties to the scene," the state agency said. "It took over one hour to bring the fire under control, and no injuries were reported."
The boy was charged with first-degree arson following an investigation by the state fire marshal, the Hampstead Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He has been released into his parents' custody.
Charges were referred to the Department of Juvenile Services.
A surveillance camera system was one of few items not scorched by the fire, according to Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire.
A recording allegedly shows the act happening inside the store after the boy parts ways with his mother who was shopping at the time.
"We actually observed him take a lighter from the front of the store, go back to some products towards the rear of the store and intentionally light a fire," Alkire said.
It took several attempts to set fire to "soft items", including mattress covers, sheets and pillowcases, the state fire marshal stated.
After being identified and interviewed by investigators, Alkire said the boy admitted to the arson.
"What we want to see now is that even though he's an 11-year-old boy, we want to see the treatment and the care he deserves while also taking care of public safety," he said.
Fires set by juveniles is considered a "serious issue," which contributes to dozens of incidents that occur each year in Maryland, the state agency said.
About half are started with materials for smoking, such as matches and lighters.
Parents and caregivers are urged to keep those items away from children and explain the dangers of fire.