Gaithersburg Man Charged with Six Counts of Arson in Connection with Sunday Morning Fires; Damage Estimated to be ~$1 Million

Fernando J. Herrera-Rivera, age 23, of Gaithersburg, has been charged with six counts of 2nd degree arson in connection with a spree of fires that occurred early morning on Sunday, September 17 in Gaithersburg. Herrea-Rivera was arrested in the area of N. Frederick Ave that same morning after police used video surveillance footage and witness accounts to identify him. Herrera-Rivera was also wanted on a bench warrant for an unrelated charge and is currently being held without bond.

According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, at 2:30am on September 17, approximately 75 firefighters responded to multiple fires at the Holbrook Center (across from Gaithersburg High School) at 400blk S. Frederick Ave. near Education Blvd. Around 3:15am, MCFRS units then responded to 3 Russell Ave (La Frontera/Taco Bar) and found several vehicles and businesses on fire. There was an additional outside fire also located near the Gaithersburg Police Department building at 14 Fulks Corner Ave that morning. Damage is estimated to be $1,250,000 ($500,000 structure/$750,000 contents.)

We spoke to the owner of Taco Bar who told us he is mainly thankful that nobody got hurt. “I am still in shock but slowly grasping the magnitude of the damage caused to my business and to my employees. We are currently working with the insurance companies while waiting on the investigations to conclude and start the recovery process. We hope to be back in business in a few months.” We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.