Resident helps police catch suspect in Little Italy fires and vandalism spree

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A Little Italy resident played a crucial role in the arrest of a suspect linked to a series of fires and vandalism incidents over the weekend.

Anthony DeMarco, a local resident, took action after noticing suspicious activity in the neighborhood. “I just felt the need to do something,” he said.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Kyle Scott, allegedly set several fires and vandalized multiple vehicles, including one belonging to Mary Ellen. “Looks like he kicked in the mirror on my passenger side and then I found the rest of the mirror behind the car here,” Ellen said.

DeMarco, armed only with a description, decided to pursue the suspect on his bicycle. “Got on my bicycle and headed out of this community looking for the perpetrator,” he said. After alerting the police, DeMarco continued his search and eventually spotted Scott setting fire to a garbage can behind Kneads. “I made a pretty loud statement, you’re gonna get your butt kicked or you’re gonna go to jail tonight, either way it’s happening tonight,” DeMarco recounted.

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Police soon caught up with Scott and arrested him for the fires and vandalism. DeMarco noted that this was not the first time he had seen Scott in the area. “It actually, almost exactly two weeks ago,” he said, recalling previous incidents of vandalism involving Scott.

Residents believe Scott is also responsible for vandalizing a car in Canton last month. “Not only is it the same guy. But hopefully the city or the community does something about, you know, reimbursing people for something that happened, that they should have taken care of weeks ago,” DeMarco said.

As Scott remains behind bars without bail, the Little Italy community is working to move forward. “The community pulling together is what keeps the crime rate low here, and we hope to keep it that way. You know what I mean. And I hope to be a part of it if that’s what it takes,” DeMarco added.

Scott is due in court Feb. 4.