Suspect Wanted For Setting 2 Fires In Restroom Of Harford Co. Denny's
EDGEWOOD, Md. (WJZ) – There's new evidence in the search for a dangerous arsonist. Customers and workers ran for their lives when a Denny's went up in flames.
Adam May has the revealing surveillance video.
Investigators believe the same man set fire to Denny's---not once but twice. The first one was small and was put out easily. The second one, however, devastated the restaurant.
Surveillance video just released by the state fire marshal shows the man suspected of torching a Denny's in Edgewood on a busy Friday morning. The fire caused around $500,000 in damage and sent dozens running from the building for safety.
"The brazenness of entering a fully staffed [restaurant] with several patrons and endangering them by starting this fire is not beyond this suspect's thoughts. Obviously, other people don't matter," said Deputy Fire Marshal Bruce Bouch.
After reviewing hours of security footage, investigators think the same man was spotted a month earlier when a garbage can caught on fire.
"It appears the same suspect is seen going to the bathroom and leaving the time of both of the fires," Bouch said.
The suspect is about six feet tall and has gray hair. At both fires, he wore a bright t-shirt. He possibly drives a dark sedan.
Architects are still wrapping up plans for the renovation. Then owners have to apply for permits. It could be at least six months until this Denny's is back open.
The restaurant's insurance policy is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
