CARROLL COUNTY, MD—A Westminster man, George W. Cook, 59, has been arrested following a series of criminal activities culminating in the arson of a local Domino’s Pizza. The incident occurred early Saturday morning and involved additional offenses at a nearby auto repair shop.
Authorities were called to the scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, to address a building fire reported in the 400 block of Baltimore Boulevard. Upon arrival, the Westminster Fire Department, assisted by neighboring departments, quickly contained a fire located at the rear of the Domino’s establishment. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate the fire’s origins.
During the investigation, a witness approached the officers, reporting that he had seen Cook breaking into vehicles at Superior Car Care on Manchester Avenue. A trooper, already on site assisting with the fire investigation, responded to this new lead and observed Cook in the act of entering another vehicle, leading to his immediate detention.
Further investigation revealed that Westminster police had previously arrested Cook for setting similar small fires around the city.
These prior incidents involved igniting feces placed inside bags or boxes. Earlier in the week, Cook had also caused a disturbance at the same Domino’s location, becoming belligerent and overturning a trash can when denied free food.
Cook faces charges of second-degree arson, first and second-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000.
The Westminster Police Department has filed additional charges of rogue & vagabond and theft under $100 in relation to the vehicle break-ins.