PITTSVILLE (WBFF) — The neighbor of a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy, who serves as a K-9 handler, has been charged with arson after intentionally setting fire to the sheriff’s home on Thursday morning, the Office of the State Fire Marshal announced Friday.
On Nov. 12, around 10:30 a.m., firefighters with the Powellville Volunteer Fire Company responded to a reported house fire in the 35000 block of Wango Road in Pittsville.
The fire was under control within 10 minutes, according to fire marshals. It caused about $15,000 in damage and three residents were displaced.
Deputy State Fire Marshals then began their investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.
Detectives quickly learned the home belonged to a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy who serves as a K-9 handler.
Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, and identified the deputy’s neighbor as the suspect.
Deputy State Fire Marshals, assisted by Maryland State Police from the Salisbury Barrack, the Criminal Enforcement Division, and Special Tactical Assault Team Element (S.T.A.T.E.), along with the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, identified 38-year-old Andrew Lee Ransley as the suspect.
This was a deliberate act that put lives and property at risk, and I commend our investigators and law enforcement partners for their quick response and thorough investigation,” said State Fire Marshal Caroll H. Spriggs II. “Their combined efforts helped bring this investigation to a swift conclusion.
Ransley was charged with first-degree arson, second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, and five counts of animal cruelty.
One of the animal cruelty charges involved the deputy’s K-9.
No K-9s were injured in the fire.
Ransley is currently being held without bond at the Wicomico County Detention Center.
This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
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