Leonardtown man charged with arson after motel fire

A 64-year-old Leonardtown man is facing felony charges of malicious burning and arson following a fire at a motel in California Monday night that displaced dozens of people.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reports Anthony Cleaver Mason allegedly set a third-floor room ablaze during a verbal argument. The incident happened shortly after 8 p.m.

The fire marshal’s office reported deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office had been called to the Super 8 Motel On Route 235 after an employee heard the occupants of Room 310 arguing. The employee called 911.

“They also reported they had broken windows and barricaded the door,” a fire marshal’s office press release stated. “Deputies arrived within minutes and observed Mason inside the room attempting to start a fire. Deputies activated the fire alarm and began evacuating the motel while requesting the fire department.”

Some 48 firefighters from St. Mary’s and Calvert counties arrived at the scene “and discovered fire showing.” The fire marshal’s office reported several injuries sustained by multiple motel occupants who reportedly jumped from the third floor.

The fire marshal’s office said there were 46 guests at the hotel, but has not provided a number of how many were injured or the extent of their injuries.

“One adult female and her child were assisted out of the hotel, where the female then suffered a medical emergency,” the fire marshal’s office reported. “She was transported to an area hospital. The child was evaluated and released into family custody.”

Damage to the motel is estimated at $750,000.

Mason, who was arrested at the scene, is charged with reckless endangerment, first-degree malicious burning and two counts of second-degree arson.

He is currently being held without bond. A second bond review was scheduled in the afternoon on June 5 in district court.