Man Charged with Arson After Torching Truck

ST. MARY'S TODAY photos by Kerry Kelly

ST. CLEMENT'S SHORES ---  A man was seen running from a blazing truck which had been set afire at about 6:30 am Monday and he was found to be suffering from second degree burns on his hands, reports Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Don Brenneman.

Christopher Somers Ireland, 22, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a 2003 Dodge Durango, owned by Regina Tracey Wilkenson, while it was parked at a residence on Wicomico Street in St. Clement's Shores.

Leonardtown and Seventh District Volunteer Fire Departments responded with 10 firefighters who had the blaze under control in 10 minutes.

Officials say that the cause of the fire was arson and the fire origininated in the interior of the vehicle.

Damage was set at $32,000. 

Ireland was locked up in the psychiatric ward of the St. Mary's Hospital for evaluation.
Car Stolen, Set Afire

BRANDYWINE ---  A car stolen from a resident of St. Mary's County was found on fire on Covington Road in Brandywine on Friday, April 2, 2004, reports Deputy Fire Marshal Chuck Dammann.

The 2003 Hyundai 4-door sedan was owned by James Carson Bruce and was declared a total loss, $12,000.

The car was found on fire at about 10:57 pm on Friday, resulting in 8 firefighters from Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department responding.

The cause was listed as arson.