Perry Hall man charged in two fires

Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged a 22-year-old man with two counts of malicious burning after two separate fires were discovered late last night in the Abingdon area. 

 

The first fire was reported by a passerby at the intersection of Route 24 and I-95 in from of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway sign at about 11:30 p.m. The fire caused about $200.00 in damages.  

 

The second fire was reported about an hour later in the 3300 block of Emmorton Road after another passerby observed a small fire and alerted the homeowner. That fire caused about $50.00 in damages. 

 

Fire Marshal Investigators determined that John Paul Akin, Jr., of Perry Hall doused the area near the interstate ramp with gasoline and intentionally set fire after leaving his job at the Waffle House. Akin later walked to the area of Emmorton Road and again set a small fire using newspaper in the front yard of a home. 

 

Investigators believe that this fire was a random act and there was no connection between Akin and the home owner. 

 

During the investigations, Akin admitted to investigators that he started the fires because of personal issues and was angry. 

 

Akin was served a criminal summons at his home, charging him with two counts of second degree malicious burning. A trial date of January 23, 2013 has been scheduled. 

 

If convicted of all offenses, Akin could receive up to 3 years in prison and/ore $1,000 in fines.