Hagerstown Man Sets Trash Can Ablaze, Burning Home's Porch: Officials

HAGERSTOWN, MD — Officials said a Maryland man was charged with arson Sunday and accused of setting a trash can on fire, causing flames to extend to a Hagerstown home's front porch.

Investigators said the Hagerstown Fire Department responded to the 400 block of Mitchell Avenue just before 12:40 p.m

Nobody was hurt in the blaze.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal said it launched an investigation and confirmed that the fire was intentionally set.

Deputy state fire marshals said they interviewed witnesses and identified Hagerstown man Brandon Gaither, 20, as a suspect.

Hagerstown Police spotted Gaither soon after near Winter Street and Church Street and took him into custody, a press release said.

Investigators said Gaither admitted to starting the fire during questioning.

The fire marshal's office said Gaither was charged with second-degree arson, a felony, and second-degree malicious burning, a misdemeanor.

Gaither was booked at the Washington County Detention Center and later released on his own recognizance following a hearing before a District Court commissioner, officials said.

“Thanks to the quick response of the Hagerstown Fire and Police Departments and the thorough work of our investigators, this case was quickly resolved before anyone was injured,” Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said in the release. “This arrest highlights our strong partnership with our local law enforcement and fire service agencies to keep our communities safe.”

This map shows the area where investigators said the fire happened.