TWO DORCHESTER COUNTY MEN ARRESTED FOR ARSON OF DUCK BLIND

Dorchester County, MD - Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged two men from Dorchester County with multiple arson-related offenses following an investigation into a fire that was intentionally set earlier this month. Paul Ellwood (43) and Edwin Krell (46) were taken into custody on Wednesday in connection with the incident.

The fire occurred in a duck blind at Bluff Point in Hoopersville, causing approximately $2,000 in damages. The blaze spread to surrounding marshland and required the response of the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Department, which sent a team of five firefighters. The department successfully brought the fire under control within 32 minutes.

An investigation conducted by the Deputy State Fire Marshals determined that the fire was intentionally set. Investigators identified Ellwood and Krell as suspects and obtained arrest warrants after establishing probable cause.

The two men were apprehended while driving their Dodge Caravan on Smithville Road in Taylor's Island. The arrests occurred without incident, and both suspects were later presented virtually to the Dorchester County Court Commissioner at the Dorchester County Detention Center. They were subsequently released on $5,000 bond each.

Ellwood and Krell face multiple charges, including:

• Arson in the 2^nd Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Arson in the 2^nd Degree
• Malicious Burning in the 1^st and 2^nd Degree
• Reckless Endangerment

If convicted on all charges, they could face a maximum sentence of 44 years in prison and/or fines totaling up to $51,000.

Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details mentioned in this article reflect the current stage of the legal proceedings and are not meant to imply or conclude guilt or innocence.