Arrest is Made in Chestertown Fire Bombing; Another is Wanted

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, MD – One of two suspects turned themselves in this morning after Deputy State Fire Marshals charged both with multiple arson charges, including Attempted First Degree Murder. Investigators are asking for the publics’ assistance in locating the second suspect.

Mardell L. Adkins, 37, was arrested on eighteen charges, including Attempted Arson 1st Degree, five counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, five counts of Conspiracy of Attempted First Degree Murder, one count of Manufacturing and Possession of a Destructive Device, and five counts of Reckless Endangerment.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at approximately 1:30 a.m, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 300 block of Fairview Drive in Chestertown for a reported Molotov cocktail thrown at an occupied dwelling. A family of five was inside when the suspects threw a Molotov cocktail at the second-story window of the residence. The Molotov cocktail construction did not function properly and failed to cause structural damage.

Deputy State Fire Marshals assigned to the Upper Eastern Regional Office processed the scene and worked tirelessly throughout the week, which led to identifying the suspects.

“I’m very thankful for the vigilance, tenacity, and thoughtfulness of our investigators,” State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci said. “Hopefully, the family impacted can sleep easier tonight, knowing these individuals have been identified with one being arrested. I would ask the second suspect to turn himself in to authorities.”

Adkins is currently being held without bond at the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center. Investigators have also charged Edward Gaines III, age 42, with the same charges. Gaines is believed to be in the Delaware area. Anyone with information on Gaines’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Upper Eastern Regional Office at 410-822-7609.

###
~ MD State Fire Marshal