HAGERSTOWN, Md. — A Hagerstown man was arrested after investigators determined he intentionally set a fire inside a storage unit, injuring one person early Thursday morning.
Just before 8:00 a.m., Halfway Volunteer Fire Company responded to Halfway Self Storage at 17324 Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown for a reported building fire. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an 8-by-40-foot storage unit fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters controlled the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjacent units. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate.
Deputy State Fire Marshals arrived within minutes and learned that a female victim and a suspect, identified as Leviathan Godwin, 23, were inside the storage unit and had been arguing before the fire started. The victim, who resides in the storage container, told investigators that Godwin ignited the fire inside the unit in an attempt to kill her.
She was forced to run through the flames to escape through the front entrance after discovering there was no exit at the rear of the unit. The victim was later transported to Meritus Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Deputy State Fire Marshals distributed a photograph of Godwin to assisting investigators, who were told he may still be in the area. A short time later, a Deputy State Fire Marshal supervisor spotted Godwin at a nearby Sheetz convenience store and notified the Maryland State Police Hagerstown Barrack. After a brief interaction, deputies and troopers took Godwin into custody without incident.
“I am grateful that the victim sustained only minor injuries and was able to escape what could have been a tragedy. I am also proud of the quick work of our Deputy State Fire Marshals, who responded within minutes and made a swift arrest, providing peace of mind to the victim,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.
Godwin was transported to the Washington County Detention Center and charged with first and second-degree arson, attempted second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property over $1,000, and first-degree and second-degree malicious burning.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds the public that storage units are not intended for habitation and pose serious safety risks. While we understand that some individuals may be experiencing homelessness, living in storage containers significantly increases the risk of fire-related injuries or fatalities. Anyone needing shelter is encouraged to seek safe and appropriate housing options.
Leviathan!?!?