Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer tweeted today that Mauro Anderson Rodrigues, 44, has been arrested and charged in connection to several arson fires.
Rodrigues was arrested for several crimes including setting two ATMs on fire at a Bank of America on University Blvd W, attempting to ignite a Mercedes-Benz on fire on Tenbrook Dr, and attempting to ignite a dispensing fuel nozzle at a Shell gas station on Georgia Ave on 12/27, as well as igniting a fire while pouring gasoline from the pump onto the ground at the Sunoco Gas Station at 8384 Colesville Rd on 12/28.
The fire at the Sunoco included damaged a car (fueling at pump) and damaged fuel station (2 pumps) and store, resulting in over $100,000 in damages.
Piringer also said that Rodrigues was arrested and released on 12/27 in DC for Assault of Police Officer, Leaving scene of Collision, Speeding/Reckless Driving, DUI & Fleeing from Law Enforcement Officer.
An anonymous source provided info to MCFRS leading to the arson arrest.
ARSON ARREST: Mauro Anderson Rodrigues, age 44, Silver Spring, MD, was arrested 12/28/21, briefly hospitalized, then arrested & charged by MCFRS Fire/Explosive Investigators. He is in custody in Montgomery County (CPU) awaiting Bond Hearing. MORE @mcfrs Media Hotline 240-777-2442 pic.twitter.com/tITNjSF54F
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 30, 2021
Update: The cause of this fire is believed to be arson. An investigation is underway. ARSON Tip Line 240.777.2263 – Anyone with information regarding the vehicle fire at Sunoco Gas Station, Colesville Rd or any other suspicious/malicious fire CONTACT @MCFRS Fire/Explosive Investigators at 240.777.2263 or contact your local police
A vehicle caught on fire at the Sunoco gas station on Colesville Road and East West Highway in Silver Spring just before 7:30am this morning, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue PIO Pete Piringer.
The fire involved the vehicle, gas pump, and extended to the outside of the Food Mart (part of the gas station building). There were no injuries, and the fire was under control soon after the arrival of fire crews as the gas station attendant was quick to shut the pump off prior to the arrival of the fire department.
All lanes are now open after a couple were shut down for approximately an hour after the fire.
Photos tweeted by MCFRS Pete Piringer via Source of the Spring
Update – Sunoco Gas Station, Colesville Rd & East West Highway, vehicle fire at gas pump, station attendant shut pump off prior to FD arrival, no injuries https://t.co/5y4ye80Mtd pic.twitter.com/DhF3XJs1sx
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 28, 2021
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