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Lexington Park Man Arrested After Attempted Arson
ST. MARY'S COUNTY, MD (October 21, 2024) - Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged Cesar Augusto Gonzalez-Lopez, 30, after he allegedly attempted to start a fire on the outside of Lexington Park home Sunday afternoon.
Just before 12:00 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office responded to the 46400 block of Sue Drive, where a dispute had occurred the previous evening between the homeowner and Gonzalez-Lopez over stolen property. Witnesses reported to deputies that Gonzalez-Lopez had entered a shed behind the home and emerged with a container. He then began spreading an oily substance on the exterior of the home. Witnesses also reported that Gonzalez Lopez had broken into the residence, causing damage to the home.
Before investigators arrived, deputies detained Gonzalez Lopez at his brother's residence. Deputy State Fire Marshals subsequently conducted interviews and examined the Sue Drive property. During the investigation, deputies confirmed that several witnesses had seen Gonzalez Lopez pouring the oily substance and asking for a lighter, indicating his intent to ignite the residence and subsequently leaving the property.
Gonzalez Lopez was charged with first and third-degree burglary, malicious destruction of property, attempted first-degree arson, and arson threat.
Gonzalez-Lopez is being held at St. Mary's County Detention Center without bond.
