Frederick Man Arrested for Setting Own Townhome on Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brown

FREDERICK, Md. (February 20, 2026) – Today, at approximately 1:19 a.m., the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to a townhome fire in the 5800 block of Rosebay Court. Fire personnel reported observing a suspicious male playing a guitar outside the burning residence before he fled the scene.

Deputies later located a subject matching the description at the Wawa on Ballenger Creek Pike. The individual was initially uncooperative but was detained pending further investigation.

A preliminary investigation, conducted in coordination with fire personnel and witnesses, determined that the suspect intentionally set fire to his own townhome. The structure was physically attached to other occupied residences at the time of the fire, creating a significant risk to neighboring residents.

The suspect, Malcolm Xavier Brown, 28, was placed under arrest and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

Brown is charged as follows:

·         Arson – First Degree (Felony)

·         Arson – Second Degree (Felony)

·         Reckless Endangerment (Misdemeanor)

·         Malicious Destruction of Property, Value $1,000+ (Misdemeanor)

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip through the FCSO tip line at 301-600-4131.

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The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 290,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.