Severn Man Dies From Injuries Suffered In House Fire He Set: Officials

SEVERN, MD — A man who assaulted an elderly man and then barricaded himself in their Severn home has died from injuries caused by a house fire he started Monday night, Anne Arundel County Fire officials said Thursday.

The arson suspect and assailant who died was identified Thursday as Mark A. Harvey, 50, of 120 Gambrills Road in Severn, the fire department said in a news release.

Anne Arundel County fire investigators determined the fire's began in the home's attic and was intentionally set by Harvey during negotiations with Anne Arundel County police officers.

Police were called to a disturbance about 6:30 p.m. Monday on a report that Harvey had destroyed property and attacked an elderly resident there. He ran into an open attic access, where he barricaded himself.

Officers saw smoke coming from the home's roof and attic. As the fire spread, Harvey appeared in the opening of the attic, and the ceiling collapsed, causing him to fall.

Harvey was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The elderly victim assaulted by the suspect was also treated at a hospital for minor injuries.

Fire officials said this is the third fire fatality in the county this year.

• May 3, 2023: John S. Billing, 54, died from injuries suffered during a fire at his home. The home did have working smoke alarms.
• May 5, 2023: Anthony Slough, 59, died from injuries suffered during a fire at a home he was living in. The home did not have smoke detectors.