Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – A teenager training to be a volunteer firefighter set fires instead, and Friday he learned his fate. A judge sentenced Tyree Torney, 19, to eight years in prison and five years of probation after he pleaded guilty to setting three fires.
“We don’t know exactly why he did it, however, what we can say is that he chose locations that were of some significance…personal significance to him,” said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
Braveboy added Torney is likely a pyromaniac.
The first fire was set at a bridge near his Hyattsville home on May 2, 2017. The second fire was on June 10, 2017 at a home on Marlborough Lane where his ex-girlfriend lived.
“He knew that her family, including an infant child, were inside at the time, and that really could have resulted in a significant loss of life or bodily harm,” Braveboy said.
The four adults and baby were sleeping when the fire started. The family’s dog barked, waking them up and allowing them to escape without serious injuries.
The third fire was set on Feb. 12, 2018 at Suitland High School, which he attended. Teachers and support staff were inside when Torney lit the fire. Braveboy said the principal identified Torney in a surveillance video.
Braveboy said Torney’s mental health will be evaluated while he’s in prison, and he will be offered appropriate treatment.
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press and WMAL. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Prince George’s County Police)
