March 1st, 2025 by WCBC Radio

 Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged a Cumberland man in connection with setting his mother's vehicle on fire in early November 2024. Terry Lynn Ford Jr., 24,  was arrested Wednesday with the assistance of the Cumberland Police Department.

Just after 8:00 a.m. on November 1, 2024, the Cumberland Fire Department was dispatched for a vehicle fire in front of 883 Patterson Avenue.  Upon arrival, they discovered a fire inside a 2005 Toyota Camry Solara. A joint investigation between the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal concluded the fire was intentionally set, causing around $5,000 in damages to the car and the adjacent home. Investigators contacted Ford on the day of the fire, and he reported that his mother had purchased the vehicle from another person, and it had been inoperable for several months. He told them he woke up to "boom" sounds, discovered the vehicle "blowing up" and on fire, and attempted to extinguish the fire.

Over several months, Deputy State Fire Marshals continued their investigation. Eventually, they developed Ford as the person of interest in setting the vehicle on fire, including that he used an explosive device to set the vehicle on fire.
With the assistance of the Cumberland Police Department, Ford was arrested Wednesday. He was charged with possession of an explosive device with intent, manufacturing/possession of a destructive device, second-degree arson, malicious burning first-degree, malicious burning second-degree, and malicious destruction of property. 
Ford was initially held without bond and later released after a judiciary bail review on Thursday.