Suspect taken into custody after breaking into vehicle at a nearby auto repair shop..
CARROLL COUNTY, MD (August 4, 2024) – A local man was arrested for setting a Westminster Domino’s on fire after he was seen breaking into a vehicle at a nearby auto repair shop Saturday morning.
George W. Cook, 59, was arrested for setting fire to the rear of the pizza chain after a witness saw him breaking into vehicles at Superior Car Care on Manchester Avenue and reported what he had seen to investigators as they were investigating the fire.
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, at around 6:30 a.m., the Westminster Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to the 400 block of Baltimore Boulevard for a reported building fire. Firefighters arrived and discovered a fire at the rear of Domino’s. They contained the fire within minutes and later requested the Office of the State Fire Marshal investigate the cause.
As investigators were investigating, a citizen stopped and told them that he saw Cook entering vehicles at the nearby repair shop. A trooper assisting investigators immediately responded and observed Cook entering a vehicle, which he subsequently detained. As police officers were investigating the tampering of a vehicle, it was learned that Westminster police arrested Cook over the last few weeks for setting small fires within city limits. Those fires were similar to how the Domino’s fire was started, including placing feces into bags or boxes and setting those items on fire.
As the investigation continued, a Domino’s manager told Deputy State Fire Marshals that Cook had come into the store earlier in the week, became belligerent and kicked over a trash can after he was told to leave because they refused to give him the free food he had requested.
Cook was charged with second-degree arson, first- and second-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000.
Cook also faces charges of rogue & vagabond and theft under $100 by the Westminster Police Department.
Cook is being held without bond at Carroll County Detention Center.