No Leads in UMBC Library Arson

The state Fire Marshal's office investigators have no suspects in the fires set last Friday afternoon at the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, sources tell Arbutus Patch.

"We do not have a suspect," says deputy state fire marhal Bruce Bouch. "At this time, the investigation is ongoing."

At around 4:15 on Friday, Feb. 18, books were set on fire on several floors of the library, which was open to the public at the time. The fires were quickly extinguished, and no one was injured in the incident. Damage was limited to the books that were burned.

If arrested, the person who set the fires could be charged with second-degree arson and face up to 20 years in prison, according to Bouch. Additional criminal charges could be pressed, including first-degree arson and malicious destruction of property.

As a state building that is open to the public, identification is not required to enter the Kuhn library. Bouch says his agency is working with UMBC Police to review surveillance video that may be available.

Anybody with information about the fires is asked to contact UMBC Police at 410-455-5555 or the Arson Hot Line at 800-492-7529.