Fruitland man accused of setting own SUV on fire

A Fruitland man has been charged, in connection with the December arson of his SUV.

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal says they have charged 36-year-old Johnny Pierre, with arson second degree, malicious burning/fraud, and false misleading information fraud. Investigators say they linked Pierre to the December 27, 2015 burning of his 2008 Nissan Rogue, on South Fruitland Boulevard, in Fruitland.

During the original incident, the Fruitland Police Department and the Fruitland Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze, and quickly controlled the fire within five minutes of their arrival. Officials say the investigation into where the fire started, and what caused it, revealed the fire was intentionally started inside the engine compartment, which led Deputy State Fire Marshals to the owner of the vehicle.

Pierre is now at the Wicomico County Detention Center, awaiting a bond review. If convicted, Officials say Pierre faces up to 40 years of imprisonment, and/or $45,000 in fines.