WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A juvenile is accused of trying to set a Hagerstown restaurant on fire by throwing a lit marine flare into the dining area while people were eating dinner, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The attempted arson was reported at 7:50 p.m. Oct. 17, at 18007 Garland Groh Blvd. in Hagerstown, in Washington County.
Investigators said a juvenile threw a lit marine flare into the restaurant, where it fell under a table where children and adults were eating dinner. Patrons ran from the flare and went outside, and the juvenile fled the scene on a bike and met another juvenile who was on foot, the fire marshal’s office said.
No injuries were reported.
Officials say the damage was estimated at $250.
Hagerstown Fire Department responded with 12 firefighters on one alarm, and the incident was controlled in five minutes.
Officials said the preliminary cause was listed as intentional.
The fire marshal’s office reported that an arrest was made in the case.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Western Regional Office at 301-766-3888. Tips can also be made through the Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529.
Dining and Cooking