Easton man arrested for intentionally setting his house on fire on Thanksgiving Day 2022

EASTON, Md. – An Easton man has been arrested in connection to a Thanksgiving Day house fire.

An investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshals has led to the arrest of 41-year-old Fred Rider III after determining that he was responsible for intentionally setting his own house on fire. The fire originally took place at around 8 p.m. on November 24, 2022, at 27930 Peach Orchard Road. More than 45 firefighters responded to fight the blaze, which completely destroyed the house, causing over $800,000 in damage to the structure and personal belongings.

Rider’s family was displaced due to the fire and continues to be assisted by family and friends.

Rider was served an arrest warrant at the Talbot County Detention Center for first and second degree arson, first degree malicious burning, and two counts of arson threat. He was released as a result of his bond review. If convicted, Rider faces up to 75 years in prison and/or $105,000 in fines.