TEMPLE HILLS, MD – The Fire Investigations Division of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department is investigating a fire that occurred at a convenience store in the 3400 block of Dallas Drive in Temple Hills on Saturday, January 16, 2021. The case is similar to an incident, also under investigation, that occurred on January 6, 2021, at another convenience store in the 6400 block of Auth Road in Camp Springs. Preliminarily, it is not known if the cases are related.
At approximately 10:13 pm last night, Public Safety Communications was notified of individuals throwing incendiary devices, commonly known as “Molotov cocktails,” at a convenience store in the 3400 block of Dallas Drive. PGFD crews arrived on scene to find smoke and fire inside the building and extinguished the fire without incident. Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal responded to the scene. Preliminarily, the investigation reveals three adult male suspects had thrown “Molotov cocktails” inside the store and at propane tanks on the exterior of the store. The three suspects fled the scene in a silver sedan. Prince George’s County Police were called to the scene and conducted an area search but nothing was found. Two store employees were inside the business at the time of the incident but were able to exit without injury. Investigators estimate property damage at $50,000. The cause of the fire is incendiary and the case is open.
On January 6, 2021, at approximately, 10:53 pm, Public Safety Communications was notified of a fire at a convenience store in the 6400 block of Auth Road in Camp Springs. Crews arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the fire. Callers reported a suspect had intentionally set the door on fire. The suspect fled prior to the arrival of our crews. Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal responded to the scene. Preliminarily, the investigation reveals the suspect threw two homemade incendiary devices, also known as “Molotov cocktails”, at the exterior building doors.
There is no information to suggest that the incident was connected to the events in Washington D.C. on January 6. Investigators estimate property damage at $50.00. The cause of the fire is incendiary and the case is open.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has the lead in both investigations and is working with the Prince George’s County Arson Task Force, a joint investigative unit with investigators from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS and Prince George’s County Police Departments.
Anyone with information regarding either of these cases is urged to contact the Prince George’s County Fire Investigations Division at 301-77ARSON (301-772-7766.) You may remain anonymous and the call line is open 24 hours.