A Bel Air man is facing a number of arson-related charges after allegedly setting fire to the car of an acquaintance of his ex-girlfriend, state fire marshals and police said.
Scott A. Cooney Jr., 20, of the 1900 block of Thomas Run Circle, was charged Saturday with second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, second-degree malicious burning, vandalism less than $500 and vandalism more than $500, according to charging information.
Around 3:45 a.m. Saturday, Harford County sheriff's deputies and volunteer firefighters were dispatched to the 3700 block of Bay Road in Street after getting reports of a car on fire, according to a release from the State Fire Marshal's Office.
When police and members of the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company arrived, the fire outside the 1996 Eagle Talon sedan had already been extinguished with a garden hose by Cooney's ex-girlfriend's father.
While investigating at the scene, deputies were called to assist a man with his car in a nearby ditch, according to fire officials.
The car in the ditch belonged to Cooney, and when deputies arrived the noticed a gas can near the car, they contacted deputy state fire marshals to help investigate, according to the release. In addition to the gas can, there were several items in and around Cooney's vehicle that investigators believe were used to set the other car aflame, according to the release.
Fire investigators determined the fire was set on the outside of the car on Bay Road using an accelerant. The fire caused about $3,000 damage to the vehicle.
Cooney was arrested at the scene and taken to the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack and then to the Harford County Detention Center.
Cooney was being held Tuesday at the detention center in lieu of $15,000 bail.