CAMP SPRINGS, Md. — Prince George’s County Fire/EMS are investigating a fire that was spurred by Molotov cocktails at a Camp Springs, Maryland 7-Eleven gas station.
Responders received the call at approximately 1:10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 regarding the convenience store located in the 6400 block of Auth Road.
The 911 call reported that multiple suspects had started a fire inside the convenience store while it was occupied and then escaped. The fire was extinguished and investigators determined Molotov cocktails were the source. Luckily, the incident did not cause any injuries.
Fire Investigators report the cause of the fire is incendiary with a preliminary property damage estimate of $5,000. The investigation is ongoing.
The incident is the third of its kind so far in 2021, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS confirmed on their Facebook page. Both cases remain under investigation and it’s not yet known if any of the cases are related.
The first incident occurred on January 6, 2021, at the same location in the 6400 block of Auth Road. The other similar incident occurred on Saturday, January 16 at a convenience store in the 3400 block of Dallas Drive in Temple Hills.
Following the January fire Jasmine, who lives near the Camp Springs 7-Eleven, said there was a constant security presence at the convenience store.
After a second fire at the location said she's concerned surrounding homes could become a target.
“My house looks friendly to people, all these other houses look friendly they could just pick one of us to just bang bang bang and do the unthinkable," Jasmine said. "I’m right here. So much can happen, it's a lot.”
Prince George's County Fire Chief Tiffany Green said in a Facebook statement these are dangerous crimes and need the community's help in holding the suspects accountable.
“We are seeking assistance from the community in identifying and locating the persons responsible for these crimes," Green said. "These are dangerous crimes, and, while we are thankful that no one was injured in any of the fires, the potential that someone could have been critically hurt is our most serious concern. If anyone has even the slightest bit of information that may help our Investigators to close these cases, please contact us. This must be brought to a stop.”
Anyone with information regarding any of these cases should immediately contact the Prince George’s County Fire Investigations Division at 301-77ARSON (301-772-7766.)
You may remain anonymous and the call line is open 24 hours.