(Upper Marlboro, MD)  —  A former Laurel Police Chief accused of setting a dozen fires across Maryland will stay in custody.  At a bond hearing, the judge told retired chief Dave Crawford quote, “I cannot consider releasing you.”  Crawford is facing numerous charges in connection with at least a dozen arsons set in Howard, Frederick, Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.  Investigators say his victims included many people he harbored grudges against, including a former Laurel city official, three former law enforcement officials, and two of his own relatives.  Crawford retired from his position as Laurel City Police Chief in 2010.  The fires were allegedly set between 2011 and 2020.

David Michael Crawford