Molotov Cocktail Tossed Through Window Sparks Fire At Auto Repair Shop

EDGEWOOD, MD — A Molotov cocktail tossed through a window of an auto repair shop caused damage to the office and front counter area of the business.

The incident happened around 11:46 p.m. Saturday at Precision Tune Auto Care, located at 1812 Pulaski Highway. The owner and 911 center was notified about the fire after the alarm company received a burglar and fire alarm. Around 15 firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company arrived and found a small fire inside the shop's office area. Firefighters gained control of the fire in five minutes, according to the state fire marshal's office.

Investigators - with the assistance of K9 Blondie - determined the fire was intentionally set after a person threw a Molotov cocktail through a side window. The one-story, multi-bay auto repair center experienced an estimated $5,000 in loss of content and damage to the building, according to the state fire marshal's office.

"The fire caused moderate damage and the owner will be making repairs," said the fire marshal's office.