Hagerstown Man Charged with Arson After Allegedly Setting Woman’s Vehicle on Fire

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HAGERSTOWN, MD News (9/30/2024) – A local man has been charged with arson in connection with a vehicle fire earlier this month. Willie Robert Thornton, 41, was arrested this morning by the Maryland State Police Apprehension Team, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. The charges stem from an incident on September 8, 2024, when a vehicle was deliberately set on fire.

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At approximately 5:00 a.m. that day, the Hagerstown Fire Department responded to reports of a fire in the 1000 block of Security Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found a 2013 Mercedes C300 that had sustained damage from a fire. A bystander had extinguished the flames before the fire department’s arrival. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was called to investigate, and it was determined that the fire was intentionally set, resulting in an estimated $5,000 in damages.

Following an investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals, with assistance from the Hagerstown Police Department, identified Thornton as the suspect. According to officials, Thornton is the estranged boyfriend of the vehicle’s owner.

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Thornton has been charged with second-degree arson, malicious burning in the first degree, and malicious destruction of property. He is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing. If convicted, Thornton could face up to 28 years in prison and fines exceeding $32,000.

The investigation remains ongoing, but authorities have stated there is no further threat to the public.