WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND – July 12, 2024
Two juveniles, aged 11 and 14, have been charged by Deputy State Fire Marshals for a series of Molotov cocktail attacks on homes in west Salisbury. The investigation, initiated on June 12th, was conducted by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office with the help of community tips and home video surveillance. The 11-year-old is facing a Child in Need of Services referral, while the 14-year-old is charged with 12 counts of reckless endangerment and eight counts of manufacturing destructive devices for putting the occupants of the targeted homes at risk.
More Details from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal:
The suspects were identified largely through home video surveillance footage, which was later shared on the State Fire Marshal’s social media platforms. Community members provided valuable tips that aided in the identification process: one recognized the suspects based on their appearance, while another identified them by their voices in a video recording. Furthermore, a resident with a Ring camera observed the footage and independently tried to identify the juveniles, which was later confirmed by their grandparents who serve as their legal guardians.
After discussions with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and the Wicomico State’s Attorney’s Office, it was decided to proceed with a CINS (Child in Need of Services) referral for the 11-year-old suspect and criminal charges through DJS for the 14-year-old suspect. The 14-year-old is charged with 12 counts of reckless endangerment for endangering the residents of the targeted homes and eight counts of manufacturing destructive devices.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray expressed gratitude for the investigators’ diligence and hard work in uncovering this case, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime despite the suspects’ ages. He mentioned that the situation could have had severe repercussions.
During questioning, the juveniles confessed to creating the initial Molotov cocktail and placing it at a home on Oneida Avenue after a confrontation with a resident who saw them cutting through her yard. They admitted to making more devices and targeting random houses in the neighborhood for what they thought was entertainment.
“We hope that the affected families can now have some peace of mind knowing that these two individuals have been apprehended. The Office of the State Fire Marshal acknowledges the cooperation of the community and law enforcement agencies in resolving this grave incident,” added Mowbray.
