Golden Beach Heathens Charged with Torching Home

        GOLDEN BEACH  (June 28, 2007)  -- Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged a Mechanicsville and a Waldorf youth in connection with a June 18, 2007 dwelling fire in the Golden Beach section of Mechanicsville.  The 2:37 a.m. blaze caused an estimated $300,000 damage to the one story, wood-frame home located at 29990 Holmes Drive.  The boys, both age 17, have been charged with first-degree arson and are being held pending further action by the Department of Juvenile Services and the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.

          After an intensive investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal in concert with the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Gang Task Force, information was developed implicating the two youths.  Subsequent interviews with both revealed the fire was deliberately ignited in the carport of the home following an aborted attempt to steal a golf cart.  An ignitable liquid was poured onto the golf cart and then set ablaze.  Both were taken into custody on June 27, 2007 at their respective homes without incident.  The investigation is continuing to determine if the youths may have been involved in other criminal activity in the area. 

          Over fifty firefighters from Mechanicsville and surrounding fire companies responded to the fire.  The blaze was brought under control in thirty-five minutes without injury.  The unoccupied home was owned by Charles Shirley.