May 3rd, 2022 by WCBC Radio

ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD (May 2, 2022) - A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office has led to the arrest of a Cumberland man. 

Yancey Ezra-Sheridon Bailey, 41, was arrested by Allegany County Sheriff's Office this afternoon after Deputy State Fire Marshals and the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office determined he was responsible for setting his home ablaze last Thursday. 

Just after 10:00 p.m. on April 28, 2022, Cumberland Fire Department was dispatched for a reported dwelling fire at 23 North Lee Street. Upon the firefighter's arrival, they located and quickly extinguished a fire within the home's living room, causing an estimated $30,000 in damages. Fire investigators later located a second, self-extinguished fire within the home. A neighbor reported seeing Yancey walking away from the home during the investigation just after the fire was discovered. 

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci commended the investigators' efforts to quickly bring the case to a close. "The arrest of this suspect reveals the partnership we have with our fire investigation and law enforcement agencies and their overall outstanding commitment to Maryland's citizens when unlawful acts occur in this State."

Bailey was charged with First Degree Arson and Reckless Endangerment. He is currently being held without bond at Allegany County Detention Center.