Man Charged with Arson in Westminster Fire

WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) -- Maryland fire investigators say a 46-year-old man has been charged with setting a three-alarm blaze that displaced the residents of 12 units in a Westminster apartment complex.

The State Fire Marshal's Office says Wayne Dougherty told investigators he set fire to his ex-girlfriend's apartment early Sunday. Investigators say a witness saw a man matching Dougherty's description on a ladder outside the building before the fire.

Two people were treated for minor injuries and the residents of all 12 units at the Apartments at the Greens were displaced. Damage to the structure and its contents is estimated at about $450,000.

Dougherty is charged with first-degree arson, malicious burning, malicious destruction of property, reckless endangerment, burglary and violation of a protective order.

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