The Anne Arundel County Fire Department Fire/Arson & Explosives Investigation Unit investigated an incendiary structure fire at 298 Rips Drive in Lothian, Maryland, on Friday, October 23, 2026.
At approximately 10:15 a.m., fire units were alerted to a structure fire after callers reported hearing an explosion and observing visible fire. First-arriving units encountered fire on the left side of the mobile home and quickly contained it to prevent further spread. Total property damage is estimated at approximately $80,000.
Fire/Arson & Explosives Investigators from the Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal Division responded to the scene, joined by Investigators from the Annapolis City Fire Department and Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate the fire's cause.
Following the scene examination and witness interviews, two individuals were placed under arrest at the scene and transferred to the Anne Arundel County Police Department for transport to central booking at Jennifer Road:
- Antonio Lopez (DOB: 07/17/1996) was charged with First-Degree Arson, Second-Degree Arson, malicious burning greater than $1,000, and Reckless Endangerment.
- Josie Castro (DOB: 07/10/2001) was charged with Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Malicious Burning, and Reckless Endangerment.
Josie Castro was a current occupant of the residence and lived there with her aunt, the current owner of the mobile home. Mr. Lopez is associated with Josie Castro but was not a current resident of the home.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the 410-222-TIPS.