A joint investigation conducted by Deputy State Fire Marshals and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a 20-year old Lexington Park man for first-degree arson. The arrest stems from an August 28, 2009, early morning house fire occurring in the 46000 block of Sylvan court.

Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the 4 a.m. house fire was intentionally set under the front porch of the two-story single family home. At the time of the fire Xavier Burnette, his wife and three children were all asleep. Investigators determined Burnette was awakened to a popping sound. When he went to investigate the source of the noise he discovered the front porch was on fire. He was able to extinguish the fire and then called police.

The fire caused an approximately $1,000 in damage to the home. Everyone inside the house was able to escape without injury.

After an extensive investigation by Deputy State Fire Marshals and investigators with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, they were able to identify the person responsible for setting the fire. Investigators arrested Garrett Wayne Thomas, 20-years of age at his Lexington Park Home this morning without incident. He was charged with first-degree arson, malicious destruction of property, second-degree assault and fourth-degree burglary. He currently is being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center pending an initial appearance before a district court commissioner.