ST. MARY’S COUNTY, MD — Deputy State Fire Marshals have arrested and charged a Lexington Park man in connection with an attempted arson incident on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Cesar Augusto Gonzalez-Lopez, 30, faces multiple charges after allegedly attempting to set fire to a residence following a dispute with the homeowner over stolen property.
According to authorities, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call just before noon at the 46400 block of Sue Drive, where Gonzalez-Lopez had been involved in an altercation the previous evening. Witnesses at the scene informed deputies that Gonzalez-Lopez had entered a shed located behind the home before emerging with a container filled with an unknown oily substance. He then reportedly began pouring the substance around the exterior of the home, raising alarm among bystanders.
Further reports indicated that Gonzalez-Lopez had also forced entry into the home, causing damage. Witnesses said that after spreading the substance, he asked for a lighter, signaling his intent to set the house on fire. He left the property before deputies arrived, but the incident had already attracted significant attention from nearby residents.
Deputies detained Gonzalez-Lopez shortly thereafter at his brother’s residence, where he was taken into custody. Deputy State Fire Marshals conducted a thorough investigation at the Sue Drive home, interviewing witnesses and examining the property to confirm the sequence of events. According to the investigation, multiple witnesses corroborated that Gonzalez-Lopez had spread the oily substance and verbally expressed his desire to ignite the residence.
The investigation did not reveal whether the substance had been ignited, but authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the charges, especially considering the intent to start a fire. The incident stemmed from a property dispute between Gonzalez-Lopez and the homeowner, which escalated after accusations of theft. Authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the stolen property or the nature of the conflict.
Gonzalez-Lopez has been charged with first and third-degree burglary, malicious destruction of property, attempted first-degree arson, and issuing an arson threat. He is currently being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center without bond.
The charges against Gonzalez-Lopez highlight the potential severity of the incident, particularly given the risk of loss of life or significant property damage if the fire had been successfully set. Local authorities have not commented on whether additional charges may be pursued as the investigation continues.
Arson is a felony offense in Maryland, and if convicted of first-degree arson, Gonzalez-Lopez could face significant prison time. Maryland law defines first-degree arson as the intentional setting of fire to a dwelling or occupied structure, carrying a penalty of up to 30 years in prison.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are reminding the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, especially involving attempts to cause fire or damage to property. Community members are encouraged to come forward with any further information related to the ongoing investigation.
No injuries were reported in connection with the attempted arson, and authorities have not released further details on the homeowner’s condition or any damage assessment of the residence. Investigators are continuing to review the evidence collected at the scene, and additional interviews may be conducted as part of the inquiry.
Gonzalez-Lopez’s next court appearance has yet to be scheduled, but he is expected to face a preliminary hearing in the coming days.
