Man Dies After Assaulting Elderly Loved One, Intentionally Setting Home on Fire in Severn

A man has died from injuries he sustained from a Severn home fire which reportedly he started on purpose after assaulting an elderly relative that he lived with. 

On June 5, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded for an unknown disturbance in the 100 block of Gambrills Road in Severn. Upon their arrival, officers learned that the suspect assaulted an elderly resident inside the home and began destroying property, according to a press release. "When confronted by officers, the suspect ran into an open attic access and barricaded himself inside. Officers were in constant verbal contact with the suspect until officers on the exterior of the residence observed smoke coming from the roof/attic of the home," the press release states. "As the smoke and fire progressed, the male appeared in the opening of the attic, and the ceiling collapsed, causing the suspect to fall through. "

The elderly victim assaulted by the suspect was also transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The suspect, who was injured, was removed from the residence by officers and transported to an area hospital for treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries due to the fire he set during this incident, authorities said   

The suspect was identified as Mark A. Harvey, (50yo).  Anne Arundel County Fire Investigators have determined the fire's origin to be in the attic and the cause of the fire to be arson, as it was intentionally set by Mr. Mark A. Harvey during negotiations with AACo Police Officers.