Marital Dispute Erupts into Devastating House Fire
A 59-year-old Maryland man stands accused of deliberately setting fire to his family home after a confrontation with his wife, causing an estimated $300,000 in damages. Michael Weisgerber was arrested and charged with arson and reckless endangerment following the Tuesday morning incident at his Sykesville property.
Chaos on Sherry Drive
The disturbance began shortly after 8am when Carroll County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic incident on the 500 block of Sherry Drive. Authorities revealed that Weisgerber’s estranged wife had called emergency services, reporting her husband had ‘forcefully’ entered the home, breaking several windows in the process.
According to charging documents, the wife told dispatchers her 'husband was going crazy and was going to blow up the house'. Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire confirmed to reporters that during the initial call, there were indications Weisgerber might attempt to set the property alight.
Inferno and Aftermath
When deputies arrived at the scene, they encountered a massive column of black smoke already billowing from the residence, with Weisgerber standing outside. Neighbour John Enright described the shocking moment to CBS: 'I looked out my window and it was ablaze. I thought it was an accident, of course. You don't think the guy would set it on fire, but that's exactly what he did.'
Fire crews from Carroll County Fire and EMS, Gamber & Community Fire Company and several other departments battled to bring the blaze under control. Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Weisgerber 'dousing' an upstairs bedroom with a fire accelerant before igniting it. The resulting explosion from gasoline vapours was so powerful it blew a rear door from its frame.
Weisgerber, who sustained minor injuries from the blast, reportedly confessed to authorities that he had intentionally started the fire. He was detained at the scene before being taken to a local hospital for treatment and subsequently transferred to Carroll County Detention Centre.
A Pattern of Behaviour and Lasting Consequences
In a chilling revelation, court records indicated this wasn't the first attempt to burn the property. Weisgerber’s wife had reported a previous attempt to torch the house on November 16, which he allegedly extinguished before emergency services arrived.
Despite the destructive actions, Weisgerber repeatedly told investigators he never intended to harm his wife. 'He did indicate that he did not want to injure his wife. He said that numerous times to our investigators,' Alkire stated, adding that Weisgerber claimed he wanted to 'ensure her safety' when he set the fire.
The couple had been married for approximately 30 years, according to WMAR News. Neighbour Cathy Noll reflected on the tragedy, telling CBS: 'Their life is changed forever. You never, never, never know what goes on behind closed doors.' She added that the damage was so extensive she believes the house will need to be completely demolished.
On Wednesday, Weisgerber waived a bail review in Carroll County Circuit Court, where he faces formal charges of arson and reckless endangerment.
