January 12th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

 A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office led to the arrest of a Frostburg man.  Joshua Todd Beeman, 41, was charged after they determined he was responsible for setting a Cumberland shed on fire earlier this month. 

On January 4, 2024, at around 5:00 p.m., the Cumberland Fire Department was dispatched for a shed fire at 310 Park Street. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire within minutes before it spread to nearby structures. The fire caused approximately $1,500 in damage, and no one was reported injured. Investigators with the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal concluded the fire was intentionally set and identified Beeman as the suspect.  With the assistance of the Allegany County Warrant Unit, Beeman was arrested yesterday. The warrant unit consists of deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office and troopers with the Maryland State Police, Cumberland Barrack.

Beeman was charged with 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 commended the investigators' efforts to bring the case to a close quickly. "The arrest of this suspect reveals our partnership with our fire investigation and law enforcement agencies and their outstanding commitment to Maryland's citizens. Our office works hand-in-hand every day with our county and local partners on multiple levels, and this is yet another example of our joint efforts that benefit our communities. Beeman is currently being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.