Two Dundalk Boys Charged in Church Arson

Two Dundalk boys have been charged with second-degree arson in last week's multi-alarm fire that caused $400,000 in damage to Pleasant Zion Baptist Church on North Point Boulevard, according to a press release from the Baltimore County Fire Department.

The boys, ages 12 and 13, were also charged with second-degree burglary, destruction of property and reckless endangerment.

A police investigation found that the boys entered an unlocked shed at the rear of the church, where they found gasoline and a lighter, authorities said.

One of the boys poured the gas and the other used the lighter to set the fire, according to the statement.

The investigation found no evidence of a racial crime, according to the statement.

Pleasant Zion is a historically black congregation.

Officials said the investigation remains open and additional charges may be filed against additional suspects, according to the statement.

About 40 pieces of firefighting equipment responded to the April 10 fire, which quickly went to three alarms because of heavy winds that helped fan and spread the fire.

It started in the shed and quickly moved to the main building, which suffered a partial roof collapse and extensive fire and water damage.