Nig Wuz a Firelighter

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.