BALTIMORE, Md. — A 61-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a string of arson incidents in Baltimore’s Central District, authorities announced. The suspect, identified as Bernard Stepney of Baltimore, is accused of setting fires at multiple locations across the city.
Investigators determined that Stepney intentionally started fires at five sites, including two mailboxes in the 300 block of West Mulberry Street and the 400 block of Cathedral Street. Other affected locations included the 500 block of West Franklin Street, the 500 block of East Baltimore Street, and the 400 block of East Fayette Street.
Physical evidence and surveillance footage linked Stepney to the incidents, prompting detectives to secure an arrest warrant. On December 3, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Central District patrol officer located and apprehended Stepney without incident. He was taken to the Central Booking Intake Facility, where he was charged with second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, and other fire-related offenses.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Baltimore City and County Hazardous Device Team, Howard County Fire Marshals K-9, BCIC, ATF, and the Baltimore City Fire Investigation Bureau. Authorities credited the teamwork for enabling detectives to connect the incidents and bring the case to a swift resolution.