Hagerstown Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Allegedly Setting Storage Unit Fire

A Hagerstown man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, following an investigation into a fire that occurred at a self-storage facility early Thursday morning. The incident resulted in one person being injured and forced to escape through flames.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the blaze occurred at Halfway Self Storage, located at 17324 Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown. Emergency responders from the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched around 8:00 a.m. and upon arrival found an 8-by-40-foot storage unit fully engulfed. Firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent units. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was subsequently called to investigate the cause and circumstances of the fire.

Upon their arrival, investigators learned that a dispute had taken place inside the storage unit immediately prior to the fire, involving the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Leviathan Godwin, and a female victim. According to the victim, who reportedly resided within the storage unit, Godwin intentionally started the fire inside the unit with the intent to cause her death. The victim stated she was forced to flee through the fire to escape the unit, as there was no rear exit. She was subsequently transported to Meritus Medical Center to receive treatment for smoke inhalation.

Investigators distributed a photograph of Godwin to law enforcement agencies in the area, with information suggesting he might still be present. A short time later, a Deputy State Fire Marshal supervisor observed Godwin at a nearby Sheetz convenience store. This sighting led to an interaction with Maryland State Police, and deputies and troopers were able to take Godwin into custody without incident.

Godwin has been transported to the Washington County Detention Center. His charges include first and second-degree arson, attempted second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property exceeding $1,000, and first and second-degree malicious burning.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal issued a reminder to the public that storage units are not designed for habitation and pose significant safety risks. While acknowledging that some individuals may be experiencing homelessness, the office stressed that living in storage containers greatly increases the danger of fire-related harm or fatalities. The agency encourages anyone in need of shelter to seek safe and appropriate housing options.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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