A Charles County man faces second-degree arson charges after authorities determined he intentionally set fire to a motorcycle in Marbury on April 6, 2026.
Deputy State Fire Marshals responded around 5 p.m. that Tuesday to the 4000 block of Chicamuxen Road for a reported motorcycle fire. Firefighters found a 2015 Harley-Davidson FXSTI in a roadside ditch, already extinguished.
Investigators, working with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, concluded the fire originated near the gas tank. A partially burned article of clothing recovered from that area served as the ignition source.
Joseph Gear, 53, of Charles County, was identified as the suspect during the probe and located a short distance from the scene. He was arrested and transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where he is held without bond.
The incident occurred in a rural section of southern Charles County along Chicamuxen Road, a two-lane route that sees motorcycle traffic especially during warmer months. No injuries were reported, and the motorcycle sustained damage from the fire.
This case marks another instance of arson investigation by Maryland Deputy State Fire Marshals in Southern Maryland, where they routinely collaborate with local sheriff’s offices on suspicious vehicle and structure fires. Arson charges in Maryland carry significant penalties, including potential prison time and restitution for damages.
Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive or the relationship between Gear and the motorcycle. The investigation remains active, and further charges could be filed.
Charles County residents are reminded to report suspicious fires immediately to local emergency services or the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office and State Fire Marshals encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact investigators.
