Cecil County Man Arrested for Multiple Arsons at Family Residence

A 67-year-old man has been arrested in Cecil County, Maryland, in connection with a series of intentionally set fires that occurred at his shared residence. The fires, which targeted structures and a vehicle on the property, are believed to have been deliberately ignited, leading to multiple felony charges against the suspect. The investigation has revealed a pattern of arson incidents at the home, which is also occupied by the suspect’s 96-year-old mother.

The incident leading to the arrest began in the early morning hours of Friday, April 10, 2026. Emergency responders from the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company, along with neighboring fire departments, were dispatched to a property on Middleneck Road in Warwick following a report of a shed fire. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a shed engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to other nearby sheds, a chicken coop, and a pickup truck. Fire crews were able to contain the blaze, preventing it from reaching the main residence and a large adjacent garage.

Following the containment of the fire, the Office of the State Fire Marshal was notified and initiated an investigation. Deputy State Fire Marshals were dispatched to the scene to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. During their investigation, authorities identified Wallace Pleasanton, a 67-year-old resident of the property, as the individual responsible for starting the fire. Investigators concluded that the fire in the shed was intentionally set. Further examination of the property uncovered evidence indicating that multiple other fires had been set previously and had either been extinguished or burned out on their own.

With the cooperation of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasanton was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. He faces charges including second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property valued at over $1,000. This recent arrest follows a separate legal action initiated in January 2026, where Pleasanton was also charged after investigators determined he had intentionally set fire to his mother’s John Deere utility vehicle inside a garage at the same Warwick address. The Acting State Fire Marshal acknowledged the significant impact such incidents can have on families, expressing hope that the arrest will provide a measure of peace, particularly for the elderly resident of the home. Pleasanton is currently being held at the Cecil County Detention Center and is not eligible for bond.

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

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