Bowie Man Started Fire in His Home, Officials Say

A Bowie man is facing arson charges after allegedly setting multiple fire inside of his Pewter Lane home on July 5, according to a statement issued by the Prince George’s County Fire Department.

PGFD were alerted to a fire in the 16300 block of Pewter Lane in Bowie at around 5:30 p.m. on July 5. Dispatchers told PGFD that that police were already at the location responding to a “possible domestic dispute” and that there was possibly still a person in the burning house, according to the statement.

Once on the scene, firefighters found the scene confirmed secure by police. The two-story home has smoke showing from the front and top floor, with fire showing from the rear of the structure.

Firefighters performed a rapid search and found none in the home. They proceeded to extinguish multiple fires throughout the home with different points of origin.

As a result of witness testimony on the scene, police arrested Elijah Kareem Shahid—who is a resident of the home—and charged him with first degree arson, first degree malicious burning and threat of arson. Police and firefighters believe Shahid, 40, used an ignitable liquid to the the fires in his home.

First degree arson is a felony and if convicted, Shahid faces up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000 or both.  Malicious burning is also a felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both. Threat of arson is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine, ten years in prison or both.

Damages to the home were estimated at $10,000 and no injuries were reported. Shahid is currently being held on a $15,000 bond.