Maryland Man Arrested for Repeatedly Targeting Fire Station with Incendiary Devices
A 36-year-old Maryland resident has been taken into custody after allegedly placing multiple improvised incendiary devices near a Prince George’s County fire station over the past several months.
Slater Chaia, of District Heights, Maryland, was arrested on Saturday morning after a police officer located him across the street from Station 805 in Capitol Heights. The arrest culminates a period of escalating concern for local authorities, who feared the potential for serious harm.
Chaia is accused of targeting Station 805 on three separate occasions in recent months, deploying what investigators describe as improvised incendiary devices resembling Molotov cocktails. In one instance, a device was reportedly placed inside the station’s mailbox. The most recent incident occurred on August 13th at 8 a.m.
“Prince George’s County fire department’s bomb squad responded, rendered the devices safe and recovered them for evidence,” stated a spokesperson for Prince George’s County Fire and EMS. The bomb squad’s swift action prevented potential injury and allowed for a thorough investigation.
Chaia is currently being held without bond at the Department of Corrections. He faces two felony charges: possession of a destructive device and possession of incendiary material with intent to create a destructive device. A misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment has also been filed. If convicted on the felony charges, Chaia could face up to 25 years in prison, according to police.
Authorities expressed relief at Chaia’s arrest but emphasized the potential danger posed by his actions. “God forbid one of our young people get ahold of one of these devices and become harmed,” said a deputy chief with the Prince George’s County Bureau of Homeland Security.
Police released photographs of Chaia taken at a Metro station, noting his distinctive Members Only jacket adorned with Tom and Jerry cartoon characters.
Investigators have been cautious about revealing specific details regarding the construction of the devices, but indicated a concerning trend. “The initial devices were inert, but, again, they seem to be progressing,” one official explained. “The last device we had at this location could have been something, potentially, that would have harmed someone if it was able to be activated.”
Despite the threats, Station 805 continues to operate around the clock, providing essential services to the community. Officials confirmed that safety precautions have been implemented to protect first responders. “The women and men who work in this station have continued to show up each and every day,” a spokesperson said. “They continue to provide a service to this community and they will continue to do so.”
While Chaia is in custody, the motive behind the attacks remains unclear. Law enforcement believes the fire station was specifically targeted. “The way I see it, he was trying to intimidate the people who work here, and that’s why we think it’s a grave threat,” explained an official with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The ATF is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation.
