PHOTO COURTESY OF SEVENTH DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chaptico, MD – A vehicle that had been reported stolen was set on fire Friday morning, Aug. 5, state officials reported. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze occurred on Manor Road in Chaptico and was reported shortly after midnight. A passerby discovered and reported the fire.
The vehicle is described as a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The vehicle’s owner is identified by the fire marshal as Tierra M. Preston. Damage is estimated at $15,000.
Five firefighters were dispatched to the one-alarm blaze and brought the flames under control in 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.
“The vehicle was reported stolen and the investigation is continuing,” a fire marshal’s report stated. Investigators determined the blaze originated in the front-passenger seat.
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information that could aid investigators should call the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Southern Regional Office at 443-550-6820 or call the arson hotline at 1-800-492-7529.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com