[message type=”warning” show_close=”false”]The CCSO is posting this press release on behalf of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Questions from the media should be directed to the ATF. Citizens with information that could help investigators solve these cases should contact either the ATF or Charles County Crime Solvers. Please see the press release below for details.[/message]

BALTIMORE – Special Agent in Charge (SAC) William P. McMullan of the Baltimore Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person(s) responsible for two arson cases: one at Fred’s Sports and the other at Spirit Halloween, both located in the 2800 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf, Maryland. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering an additional $1,000 reward for a total of up to $11,000 in this case.

On October 13, during the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) broke into Fred’s Sports – a federal firearms licensee – and intentionally set the place on fire. On Oct. 20, the Spirit Halloween store – located next door to Fred’s Sports – was set on fire.

Investigators with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the ATF (Baltimore Field Division) are conducting a joint investigation into both fires. “We take the act of arson very seriously,” said SAC McMullan. “The fires at Fred’s Sports and Spirit Halloween are under federal investigation and a federal arson conviction is a serious offense which could result in significant federal prison time for the person or persons responsible.” Anyone with information about these crimes may report it, anonymously, to the following tip lines:

  • ATF Fire/Arson Hotline: 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473)
  • Charles County Crime Solvers: 1-866-411-TIPS

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating federal arson violations and researching the science of fire and arson. More information on the ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov. Additional information regarding Charles County Crime Solvers may be found here.