Pittsville man charged with arson at Wicomico Sheriff’s deputy’s home

PITTSVILLE, Md. – The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal has charged a man with arson after investigators determined he intentionally set fire to the home of a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Authorities charged 38-year-old Andrew Lee Ransley of Pittsville with first and second degree arson, first and second degree malicious burning, and five counts of animal cruelty. He is currently being held without bond at the Wicomico County Detention Center.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, just before 10:30 a.m., the Powellville Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to a house fire in the 35000 block of Wango Road in Pittsville. The one-alarm fire was brought under control within 10 minutes, and caused an estimated $15,000 in damage to the structure and its contents. Three occupants were displaced. 

Deputy State Fire Marshals were requested to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. While responding, investigators learned that the home belonged to a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy who serves as a K-9 handler. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, and identified the deputy’s neighbor, Ransley, as the suspect.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Ransley’s residence and took him into custody. One of the animal cruelty charges involved the deputy’s K-9; however investigators say no K-9s were injured in the fire.

“This was a deliberate act that put lives and property at risk, and I commend our investigators and law enforcement partners for their quick response and thorough investigation,” said State Fire Marshal Caroll H. Spriggs II. “Their combined efforts helped bring this investigation to a swift conclusion.”