A Waldorf man faces serious charges after allegedly setting fire to his home while his family slept, following a heated domestic dispute. On August 1, 2025, Deputy State Fire Marshals charged 49-year-old Omar Shariff Harrison with attempted murder and multiple arson-related offenses after he intentionally ignited a fire in his residence in the 3000 block of Eutaw Forest Drive, Waldorf. The incident, which caused approximately $500 in damage, has shocked the quiet Charles County community.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Harrison residence just after 5:00 a.m. on August 1. Deputies had visited the same address the previous evening due to a dispute between Harrison and his wife. During that earlier visit, the couple agreed to stay in separate areas of the home to de-escalate the situation. However, tensions flared again in the early morning hours. According to investigators, Harrison’s wife awoke to the sound of him moving through the house. She reported that he entered her bedroom, poured gasoline on the bed where she was sleeping, and trailed the accelerant down the stairs before igniting bed sheets. The quick actions of the wife and her two children allowed them to escape unharmed and contact emergency services.
Deputy State Fire Marshals, assisted by K9 “Taylor,” investigated the scene and confirmed that Harrison deliberately started the fire but later extinguished it, limiting the damage. The investigation revealed that the Waldorf arson incident was directly tied to the ongoing domestic dispute, during which Harrison allegedly threatened to burn down the house. This threat, combined with the intentional use of gasoline, led to charges of attempted murder, first-degree arson, second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, reckless endangerment, and arson threat.
Following the incident, Charles County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended Harrison during a traffic stop. He was transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where he awaits a bond review. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic disputes escalating to life-threatening acts, prompting local authorities to emphasize the importance of early intervention and support services for families in crisis.
Charles County, known for its close-knit communities like Waldorf, has seen increased efforts to address domestic violence through programs like the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Unit, which offers resources and support for affected families. The Waldorf arson case underscores the need for continued awareness and prevention measures in Southern Maryland. Residents seeking assistance can access local resources, including the Charles County Crisis Hotline.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Deputy State Fire Marshals and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office working together to ensure all details are thoroughly examined. Harrison’s charges reflect the severity of the alleged actions, and the case will proceed through the Charles County court system.
