Around Maryland, Crime, Police/Fire

Maryland man charged after stealing blasting caps from employer

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD—A Maryland man has been charged with multiple counts of manufacturing and possessing destructive devices within his home after investigators concluded he had stolen them from his employer. Stephen K. Thompson, 48, was arrested on Monday after Thompson’s estranged wife reported to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad that she found suspicious items in their …


Around Maryland, Entertainment, Events, Family, Police/Fire

Maryland State Fire Marshal suggests attending public fireworks displays

BALTIMORE, MD—With the arrival of summer and the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci suggests that Marylanders attend public fireworks displays. “I would highly suggest the safest way enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public fireworks displays throughout the state,” stated Geraci. To help Marylanders enjoy a safer summer season, the …


Maryland State Fire Marshal offers outdoor safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend

BALTIMORE, MD—With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, families across Maryland will venture outside – either to the beach or the mountains – or maybe just to their backyard. Increased outdoor activities also result in an increase of outdoor fire risks; therefore State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci is providing a few common-sense tips that will help Marylanders enjoy …

Maryland sees worst increase in fire deaths in recent history

The following is an open letter to all Marylanders from State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci: To: All Marylanders I am here to inform you that the State of Maryland has seen the worst increase in fire deaths in the first three months of 2023 than in any other time in recent decades. Close to 40 Marylanders have lost their …

Two men facing federal indictment in Maryland for arson conspiracy targeting convenience stores

GREENBELT, MD—Two men are facing a federal indictment in Maryland for an arson conspiracy targeting convenience stores. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Stephen Kennedy, 33, of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Donnell Kelly, 33, of Washington, D.C., for conspiracy to commit arson, arson affecting interstate commerce, commercial robbery, and use of a destructive device in furtherance of …

Man dies from injuries sustained in Joppa camper explosion

JOPPA, MD—Officials from Johns Hopkins Hospital report that Robert G. Kellogg, 38, died on Saturday from injuries he had sustained during a fire inside his Joppa camper-trailer in the fall of last year. At just after 8:15 p.m. on October 18, 2022, a passerby observed a large fire on the property of B&T Services located at 415 Pulaski Highway. Harford …

Ohio man admits to making bomb, driving to Maryland to kill romantic rival

BALTIMORE, MD—An Ohio man has admitted to making a bomb and driving it to Maryland with the intent to kill his romantic rival. Clayton Alexander McCoy, 32, of Chesterland, Ohio, pleaded guilty this week to transporting explosives with intent to injure and to possession of an unregistered firearm/explosive device, in connection with an explosion at a home in Carroll County. …

Smoke alarm, sprinklers save infant’s life in Fallston house fire

FALLSTON, MD—Deputy State Fire Marshals are crediting a smoke alarm and a home fire sprinkler system for saving an infant’s life and reducing significant property damage at a Fallston home over the weekend. Fallston Volunteer Fire Company and mutual-aid departments were dispatched at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday for a reported dwelling in the 2000-block of Arden Drive after the owner, …