MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — A 47-year-old Mechanicsville man is facing multiple felony charges—including first-degree arson, harassment, and repeated violations of a court-issued peace order—after allegedly setting fire to his parents’ car and residence, threatening to kill family members, and stalking a protected party despite court mandates.
Michael Robert Guy was arrested on June 23, 2025, after fire and law enforcement officials responded to a structure fire on the 27000 block of Morganza Turner Road in Mechanicsville. According to the statement of probable cause filed by the Maryland State Police, firefighters arrived to find the garage portion of the home engulfed in flames. Investigators obtained surveillance footage from neighbors showing smoke and visible flames. The video had been set up due to what neighbors described as ongoing problems around their property.
While being transported to the MSP Leonardtown barrack holding cell, Guy allegedly made spontaneous comments admitting to setting the house on fire. During an interview recorded on body-worn camera, Guy reportedly confessed to starting the blaze because he was angry about pet waste in the basement and the previous condition of the home. He allegedly told police he had set the property ablaze multiple times.
This incident followed a separate arson event just two days earlier, on June 21, when Guy allegedly set his parents’ 2003 Cadillac on fire using used motor oil in the trunk. He reportedly admitted to that act as well.
A handwritten petition for protection from domestic violence, filed by Guy’s father, alleged threats including, “I’m coming to kill you,” along with previous property damage. The petition referenced Guy’s statement to the fire marshal that he was angry with his parents.
In an earlier incident on June 20, Guy was accused of violating a final peace order issued by Judge James Tanavage. The protected party told deputies that Guy shouted to her from across the street and later approached her, stating, “It’s my way or no way.” A neighbor corroborated hearing the comments. Guy admitted to making the statements.
The next day, on June 21, deputies again responded after Guy appeared at the protected party’s home and called for her from outside. Surveillance video reportedly captured him walking around the property and calling out to her. He was found hiding behind a neighboring residence and surrendered to police, allegedly stating, “I’m crazy, I’m an asshole,” and, “You can lock me up. It’s her book.”
Guy is charged in three open criminal cases, including first- and second-degree arson—felonies that carry maximum penalties of up to 30 and 20 years, respectively. He also faces charges of violating a peace order and harassment as part of a course of conduct, both misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days each. Competency evaluations are underway.
He appeared before Judge Tanavage on June 24, 2025, for a bond review and was ordered held without bond. A status hearing is scheduled before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser on July 8, 2025.
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Throw away the key
Boy Mikey…you showed them. Enjoy jail, I guess?