Camden-Wyoming Man Who Threw A Lighted Bottle Onto Apartment Building Roof Sentenced to Five Years In Prison

 WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Camden-Wyoming man was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in prison for Malicious Use of a Fire to Damage Interstate Commerce.  Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Benjamin Glanden, was arrested on June 29, 2020, after officers with the Dover Police Department and the Dover City Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the Liberty Court Apartments, 1289 Walker Road, Dover, Delaware, for a report of an individual setting fires.  Surveillance video from the scene showed Glanden walking up to Apartment Building C, lighting a bottle which contained gasoline and a paper towel, and throwing the bottle onto the building’s roof.  At the time Glanden threw the lighted bottle on its roof, Building C was occupied by 8 adults and 10 children. 

Before imposing sentence, Chief Judge Connolly noted the seriousness of the defendant’s incredibly reckless behavior, indicating that tragic consequences could have resulted from Glanden’s actions.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Defendant’s grossly irresponsible behavior jeopardized the safety of innocent apartment dwellers.  But for timely reporting to law enforcement, defendant’s fire setting could quickly have led to substantial property damage with potentially deadly consequences.  My office will continue to vigorously prosecute those, like the defendant, whose actions directly threaten public safety.”

“The defendant’s reckless disregard for human life could have easily resulted in tragedy,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “We are grateful for the public’s quick reporting and fast response by our Dover law enforcement and fire service partners that prevented that tragedy from happening. By combining ATF arson investigation resources with the knowledge and experience of our partners, we were able to ensure this defendant was brought to justice. ATF is unwavering in its commitment to remove violent offenders like this from Delaware communities.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen McCartney prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware.