A Maryland man was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a Domino’s store in Carroll County on Aug. 3. Witnesses had previously reported seeing the same man breaking into vehicles at a nearby auto repair shop.
George W. Cook, 59, was charged with arson and two other charges after allegedly setting fire to the Domino’s Pizza store, located at 400 block of Baltimore Blvd in Westminster, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
A witness alerted the authorities after Cook was observed breaking into vehicles at Superior Car Care on Manchester Ave.. The local Fire Department responded to the call at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 3, according to the Department.
Upon arrival the Fire Department found a fire at the back entrance of the Domino’s. The fire was contained within minutes. Firefighters then requested the Office of the State Fire Marshal to investigate the incident.
The witness who had observed Cook breaking into vehicles at the auto repair shop reported what he saw to investigators at the scene.
Cook was then observed entering the vehicle of a trooper assisting the investigators, which prompted the officer to immediately detain Cook on site. Officials later established that Cook had previously been arrested for setting small fires around the city in a similar fashion over the last several weeks.
The fires included placing feces into bags or boxes and setting those items on fire, the department said.
Upon further investigation, it was established that Cook had entered the Domino’s store a few days prior, according to a store manager. When told to leave after he demanded free food in the store, Cook allegedly became belligerent and aggressive, kicking over a trash can.
Cook is now facing charges of second-degree arson along with other charges, including second-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000.
Additional charges were also brought against him by the Westminster Police Department for rogue and vagabond, as well as theft under $100, according to the department.
Following his arrest, Cook was taken to Carroll County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.
NTD has contacted the Westminster Police for comment.