Two Aberdeen Men Arrested for Apartment Fire Arson

Two Aberdeen men were charged with arson early Tuesday morning in connection with a blaze that temporarily cleared the Warwick Plaza apartment complex, authorities said.

Gilberto Ferrera Suris, 34, and Jonathon James Anders, 24, face first and second-degree arson charges in addition to malicious burning charges for alleged roles in the fire at Warwick Plaza in the 500 block of Plaza Court.

No injuries were reported. The arrests resulted from a joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Aberdeen Police Department.

Firefigters responded to a 1:41 a.m. blaze to find debris on fire outside the building, according to Deputy State Fire Marshall Bruce D. Bouch. When the Aberdeen Police Department arrived, they helped occupants to safety, authorities said. Bouch said the fire was brought under control within five minutes.

“Furniture and personal items located outside of the structure as a result of an eviction were fully engulfed in flames and causing heat damage to the side of the apartment building,” Bouch said in a prepared statement. “The fire was quickly placed under control.”

Bouch said the two suspects had not been evicted, but declined to release further specific details because the incident is still under investigation.

“Damages to the structure were contained to melted siding and a broken window to a single apartment unit,” Bouch said. “The occupant with the broken window was assisted by friends and the remaining occupants were able to return inside the building.”

If convicted, Suris and Anders individually face penalities of up to 64 years imprisonment and/or $91,000 in fine. Anders has been released on his own recognizance. Suris is being held in the Harford County Detention Center on $75,000 bond, Bouch said.