01-03-2025
Cumberland man charged with setting mother's car on fire
CUMBERLAND — A Cumberland man was arrested in connection with setting his mother's vehicle on fire in November, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Terry Lynn Ford Jr., 24, was taken into custody Wednesday by the Cumberland Police Department.
Just after 8 a.m. on Nov. 1, city firefighters were dispatched for a vehicle fire in front of 883 Patterson Ave. Upon arrival, they discovered a fire inside a 2005 Toyota Camry Solara. A joint investigation between the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal concluded the fire was intentionally set, causing around $5,000 in damages to the car and the adjacent home.
Investigators contacted Ford on the day of the fire, and he reported that his mother had purchased the vehicle from another person, and it had been inoperable for several months. He told them he woke up to "boom" sounds, discovered the vehicle "blowing up" and on fire, and attempted to extinguish the fire.
Ford was later developed as a suspect and investigators said he used an explosive device to set the vehicle on fire.
He was charged with possession of an explosive device with intent, manufacturing/possession of a destructive device, second-degree arson, malicious burning first-degree, malicious burning second-degree and malicious destruction of property.
Ford was initially held without bond and later released after a bail review hearing in district court on Thursday.
