Cambridge Man Arrested for Setting Fire in Occupied House

DORCHESTER COUNTY, MD – Deputy State Fire Marshals along with the Cambridge Police Department conducted a joint investigation today that led to the arrest of Joe Louis Winbush Jr. (51) of Cambridge. The Rescue Fire Company (Cambridge) was called to 100 Mako Drive in Cambridge, Dorchester County this afternoon at 12:20 PM for a reported vehicle fire after occupants of the home made the discovery.

When firefighters arrived, they observed fire damage to a 2013 Nissan Altima which was parked inside of the attached garage of the residence. Fifteen firefighters from the Rescue Fire Company were able to place the 1 alarm fire under control in 21 minutes. Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, firefighters requested the Office of the State Fire Marshal to conduct an origin and cause investigation.

Cambridge Police Department also responded to the scene and arrived prior to Deputy State Fire Marshals. Witnesses on scene identified Winbush as a possible suspect and he was immediately detained by Cambridge PD. The investigation revealed that the owner of the car was Cheryl Gross. Fire Investigators placed the origin of the fire at the rear driver’s side quarter panel at the fuel filler. They determined the cause to be incendiary (ARSON).

The fire caused approximately $1,000.00 in damages to the vehicle and another $200.00 in damages to contents.

The investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cambridge Police Department further developed Winbush Jr as the suspect and revealed he was the former boyfriend of the car’s owner. They also determined the home was occupied at the time of the fire. Shortly after the fire Winbush was charged with the following crimes; Arson 1st Degree, Arson 2nd Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree, Threat of Arson, Malicious Destruction of Property over $1,000.00, Malicious Destruction of Property under $1,000.00, three counts of 1st Degree Assault, three counts of 2nd Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment. If convicted of these crimes Winbush faces a maximum penalty of 188 years and 2 months of imprisonment and $119,500 in fines. Winbush was also charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder which carries a penalty of Life in Prison.

Joe Louis Winbush Jr was transported to the Dorchester County Detention Center where he is being held with no bond.

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~MD State Fire Marshal