Pair arrested for attempted murder, arson in Somerset Co.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Maryland State Police have arrested two men on attempted murder charges after they allegedly set a house on fire with two people inside.

At around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, the MSP Princess Anne Barrack received a report of two men trying to illegally enter a residence in the 12000 block of Independence Court in Princess Anne. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects set the back of the house on fire with gasoline and blocked the front door with a mattress before leaving the scene.

Troopers found two people matching the description walking in the area with a fuel container. The suspect carrying the fuel container, identified as 37-year-old Lascelles Beckford, fled on foot initially before he was taken into custody. Police also found a 14-inch machete in his waistband.

The second suspect, identified as 34-year-old Dante Stone, was found a short time later and arrested. Police believe the pair were acquainted with the occupants of the home.

No injuries were reported.

Beckford and Stone have been charged with attempted first degree murder, arson, burglary, reckless endangerment, and malicious destruction of property. Both are being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.