Maryland man charged for setting auto shop on fire in Frederick County

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — A Frederick man is facing several charges after he allegedly set Hi Lo Auto Sales on fire and stole a truck on May 29, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).

Just before 3 a.m., deputies and fire and rescue crews responded to the business in the 5000 block of Urbana Pike for a commercial fire alarm.

When deputies arrived, they found smoke coming from the building. The fire was contained and the Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was intentionally set.

As the investigation continued, detectives learned that a 2019 Forf F-150 was stolen from the shop. The Sheriff’s Office said the truck was later found in the Potomac River, in Washington County.

Their investigation determined that 36-year-old Malcolm Muhammad Edwards, was allegedly connected to the fire. On Aug. 9, a warrant was obtained for his arrest on the following charges:

• Motor Veh/Unlawful Taking
• Arson 2 ^ND Degree
• Burglary/ 2 ^nd Degree/ General
• Theft $1,500 to under $25,000

Edwards is currently serving time at the Maryland Department of Corrections on unrelated charges. The Sheriff’s Office said once his sentence is complete, he will be served on the arson charges.

“This was a totally senseless criminal act of arson and destruction to this local business. The enormous amount of property damage, loss from the theft, and monetary loss from the disruption of the business operation has had a major impact on this family-owned used car dealership,” said Sheriff Chuck Jenkins

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