Crime & Safety

Police Investigating Series of Suspicous Essex Fires

Officers believe someone is responsible for setting eight fires on Jan. 11 in one neighborhood.

Baltimore County police need assistance in finding those responsible for a series of suspicious fires last month in Essex.

Police spokeswoman Detective Cathy Batton said someone set eight fires between 12:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 11. No one was hurt in the fires, which caused minor damage at each site, Batton added.

Among the items set on fire, Batton said were two sheds, two vehicles, two dumpsters and two homes. The fires, she said occurred at the following locations:

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  • 300 block of Homberg Ave.
  • 700 block of Mansfield Road
  • The intersection of Homberg and Old Eastern Avenues
  • 1500 block of Country Ridge Lane
  • 200 block of Southeastern Court
  • 300 block of E. Homberg Ave.
  • 1000 block of Bladen Road
  • 1500 block of Nicolay Way.

Batton said investigators have no suspects and are concerned that whomever is responsible may try again. She added that investigators believe the suspect utilized a series of alleys, which connect the roads.

“We’re obviously dealing with a major safety issue, especially as whoever did this did try to set fires at homes,” Batton said.

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Anyone with information regarding this case, Batton said, is asked to call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7-LOCKUP (866-756-2587). Those wishing to help can also text a tip to Metro Crime Stoppers to "CRIMES" (274637) or send information online via www.metrocrimestoppers.org.

Tipsters to Metro Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000, Batton said.


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