ADELPHI, Md. -- A 19-year veteran of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department has been charged with setting a fire on his way to work. The fire damaged a Chinese restaurant on November 1 in the 2500 block of University Boulevard in Adelphi.
Michael D. Murphy had been assigned to Station 834 near the restaurant and responded on the call after arriving at work. Sources familiar with the investigation tell 9NEWS NOW that Murphy had food from the restaurant during the shift prior to the fire and was unhappy with his dining experience. At the moment the motive is considered to be revenge.
Cardboard boxes were set on fire in the rear of the building. Damage is estimated at $1000. The firehouse is less than a mile from the restaurant.
Murphy is 42-years-old and lives in Huntingtown, MD. According to sources Michael Murphy had previously been fired by the department after an investigation into credit card irregularities. Murphy won his job back after appealing the firing.
According to a press release by PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady, Michael Murphy has been charged with the following:
- 1st Degree Arson; Felony, carries a maximum penalty of $50,000 and/or 30 years in jail.
- 2nd Degree Arson; Felony, carries a maximum penalty of #30,000 and/or 20 years in jail.
- Malicious Burning; Felony, carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 5 years in jail.
Republished with permission of WUSA-TV.
