September 28th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

   ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD (September 27, 2018)  – A Deputy State Fire Marshal has charged a Cumberland man who intentionally set his residence on fire.         

        On September 11, 2018, at approximately 03:18 am the Cumberland Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 109 Race Street, Cumberland, Allegany County.   A fire was located in the interior of the residence.  Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office conducted an origin and cause investigation.

           During the course of the investigation, the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office subsequently, requested the assistance of the State Fire Marshal's Office.   As a result of the joint investigation, Allen Lavar Johnson (11/17/1978) was charged with Arson 1st Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree and Malicious Burning Fraud.  Mr. Johnson declined to provide a statement to the investigators.  Total damages were estimated at $31,500.  Mr. Johnson was initially transported by a Deputy from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to Maryland State Police Barrack for processing.  Subsequently, he was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is being held without bond. He was transported without incident.