An Oakland man was arrested after returning to the scene of a house fire he is accused of intentionally setting.
After a lengthy search — aided by the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, which shared the suspect’s photo on social media — Deputy State Fire Marshals spotted Ryan Lawrence Spann, 40, in the woods near the home while investigating the fire and arrested him without incident.
On September 2, at around 2:30 p.m., the owner of a home at 1037 Pergin Farm Road observed Spann igniting a fire on the front porch before fleeing on a bicycle. The homeowner chased Spann and took photos as he peddled away, while a friend attempted to extinguish the fire and called 911. Spann abandoned his bike and ran into the woods.
Deer Park Volunteer Fire Company and several other area departments responded to the scene, along with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, which shared Spann’s photo on social media. Tips from the public quickly helped investigators confirm Spann’s identity. With support from the Maryland State Police and Natural Resources Police, deputies established a perimeter to locate the suspect.
Investigators conducted an origin-and-cause investigation and determined the fire was intentionally set. The fire caused an estimated $205,000 in damage. One firefighter sustained minor injuries, was treated at the scene by EMS, and released.
After unsuccessfully locating Spann, local law enforcement cleared the scene. At the same time, Deputy State Fire Marshals remained on the scene and continued examining the home until they observed Spann in the nearby woods. Investigators told him he was under arrest, and he was taken into custody without incident.
Ryan Lawrence Spann
Spann has been charged with first-degree arson, third-degree burglary, and reckless endangerment.
Investigators said there is no known connection between Spann and the homeowner, and the incident was a random act of arson.
“This quick arrest underscores the close coordination between the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and Natural Resources Police,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. “Our Deputy State Fire Marshals work hand-in-hand with allied agencies across Maryland, and it took persistence and partnership from every one of them to capture a random arsonist and protect the community from further harm.”
Spann is currently being held without bond at the Garrett County Detention Center.
