A Sykesville man has been charged with arson and other offenses after he deliberately set fire to his family home on Sherry Drive, leading to the destruction of the property. According to FOX Baltimore, 59-year-old Michael Weisgerber was removed from the scene by sheriff's deputies and state police, subsequently being taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries before being detained.
The incident, which took place early yesterday morning, was quickly attended by multiple fire departments. Weisgerber, who was living in an RV parked in the driveway due to estrangement from his wife, ensured she was not in the home before locking the door and igniting the house after dousing it with gasoline. An explosion occurred, confirmed by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, powerful enough to blow a rear door from its frame.
Witnesses and neighbors reported seeing law enforcement and fire services rushing to the address. "I saw two officers, police cars with sirens, drive right by. Then, I looked out my window and saw the fire," John Enright, a neighbor, told WBAL-TV 11. Weisgerber himself admitted to the act and remained cooperative with the authorities throughout the investigation process, Master Deputy Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire detailed in a statement.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office has issued a reminder in light of these events for individuals experiencing personal or domestic crises to reach out for support, providing the Maryland Crisis Hotline at 988 for immediate assistance.
