ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD — A coordinated investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office resulted in the arrest of Joshua Todd Beeman, 41, of Frostburg, for arson.
The arrest follows an incident on January 4, 2024, where the City of Cumberland MD Fire Department responded to a shed fire at 310 Park Street around 5:00 PM. The fire, which caused approximately $1,500 in damage, was swiftly extinguished by firefighters, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Investigations conducted by both the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal concluded that the fire was intentionally set. Beeman was identified as the primary suspect in the arson case.
Beeman was apprehended yesterday with the aid of the Allegany County Warrant Unit, comprising deputies from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack.
Charges against Beeman include first-degree arson, two counts of malicious burning, second-degree, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray praised the collaborative efforts of fire investigation and law enforcement agencies in resolving the case efficiently. He highlighted the significant role of partnerships in ensuring community safety and stressed the continual joint efforts across various levels.
Currently, Beeman is being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.