Abingdon Man Charged with Arson for Setting Fire in Mother’s Basement

HARFORD COUNTY, MD (September 30, 2011) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged August M. Ruggerio, III (36) with 1st and 2nd Degree Arson stemming from a September 25, 2011 incident involving a basement fire in his mother’s home located at 638 North Branch Court in Abingdon.

At 12:25 p.m., approximately 40 firefighters responded from Abingdon, Joppa and Bel Air Volunteer Fire Departments and determined the fire was extinguished by the residential fire sprinkler system. The activation of the fire sprinkler system limited the damages to the home to an estimated $6,000. Ruggerio was transported to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for smoke inhalation injuries received during the fire.

Investigators determined multiple fires had been set in the basement during the on-scene investigation. Upon conclusion of the investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals revealed Ruggerio was responsible for setting the fires in the basement.

August Ruggerio was taken into custody today upon being released from the hospital and transported to the Harford County Detention Center where he is awaiting an initial bond hearing.

If convicted of the felony charges, Ruggerio faces penalties of up to 50 years imprisonment and/or $80,000 in fines.