The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has charged Janice Louise Oney with setting fire to a man’s front door last month over a $7 dispute.
The Salisbury woman was arrested on several charges, including first- and second-degree arson, after detectives claimed she intentionally started a fire at 314 Penn St. in Salisbury in July, per WBFF.
The homeowner informed the Salisbury Fire Department and fire investigators that Oney, a longtime friend, had confronted him over $7 that she said he owed her.
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According to fire officials, Oney allegedly left after a brief disagreement, only to return minutes later with a container of gasoline, which she used to set fire to the front door before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.
The man quenched the fire before it caused too much harm. Investigators, including a K-9 Deacon trained in arson detection, concluded the fire was started on purpose. Surveillance from surrounding businesses helped identify Oney as the culprit, police said.
A statement from the Maryland State Fire Marshal read, “With assistance from K9 “Deacon,” investigators confirmed the fire was intentionally set. Several pieces of evidence were collected, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses that helped link Oney to the incident.”
They continued, “On August 1, an arrest warrant was issued charging Oney with first- and second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, malicious destruction of property over $1,000, reckless endangerment, and theft under $100. Later that evening, she was taken into custody with the help of the Salisbury Police Department and the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack.”
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After appearing before a District Court Commissioner, Oney was taken to the Wicomico County Detention Center and is currently being held without bond.
According to the Herbist Firm, in most arson instances, the State Fire Marshal will be dispatched to the scene as soon as the situation is safe. The Marshals will instantly begin searching for incendiaries such as combustible objects, and they will frequently utilize trained dogs to detect compounds such as kerosene, alcohol, and gas.
The punishment for felony arson in the first degree is up to 20 years in jail and a $30,000 fine. Defendants in arson trials may also be charged with malicious burning and burning with intent to defraud.
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