Fire Chief Commends Fire Investigators Upon Sentencing of Arsonist

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief PIO, 240-508-7930

MEBrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Prince George's County Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale congratulated his Fire Investigators for a job well done after the sentencing of a arsonist last week.  Investigators from the Department's Office of the Fire Marshal worked diligently to investigate, identify a suspect, arrest and assist in the prosecution of Tyree Torney.

"Arson is a heinous crime that will always be investigated relentlessly by a very talented and skilled group of fire investigators," stated Fire Chief Barksdale.  "We will work together with prosecutors to ensure that anyone charged with Arson and related crimes is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The sentencing of Tyrone Torney is an example of the teamwork of fire investigators and prosecutors.  

The convicted arsonist was vying to become a volunteer member within the combined Fire/EMS Department. The investigation discovered that Torney had participated in a popular and long established ride-along program.  To ensure the ride-along program meets the expectations of it's participants an internal Department review is being conducted.

Press Release from Office of the States Attorney for Prince George's County

Hyattsville Man Sentenced in Three Separate Arson Cases

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Tyree Torney, 20, was sentenced to 30 years, suspend all but years, with all but eight years of the sentence suspended followed by five years of supervised probation for first degree arson and other related charges in three separate cases, announced State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy today at a press conference.

On February 11, 2019, Proctor pled guilty to first degree arson, first degree attempted arson, malicious burning and other related charges.

In the first incident, on May 2, 2017, Mr. Torney started a fire on a wooden bridge near his home in Hyattsville. A month later, on June 10th, he set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s house, knowing that she and her family, including an infant, were inside the home at the time.

Additionally, on the evening of February 12, 2018, Mr. Torney started a fire in a supply closet at Suitland High School in Suitland. The school at the time was occupied including janitorial personnel, a few students and one teacher.

“This is a very unfortunate case, in which Mr. Torney, on three separate, occasions intentionally set fires across our county,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy. “Today, we held Mr. Torney accountable for his senseless and very dangerous actions. We are sending a message that if you commit arson, and put people’s lives at risk, you will face the consequences.”

Contact:
Denise Roberts
Communications Director
Office of the State’s Attorney, Prince George’s County
dgroberts@co.pg.md.us
240-832-4970 cell or 301-952-2848 office