A 40-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Wednesday fire that destroyed a popular Pikesville restaurant, county police said today.
David McDermott of the unit block of Hawthorne Avenue in Pikesville was charged with second-degree arson for allegedly starting the fire that demolished Jilly’s Bar and Grill at 1012 Reistertown Road, police said.
According to police, officers arrived at the restaurant at 4 a.m. to see the restaurant burning. ATF members and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office assist local officials at the crime scene.
Investigators concluded that someone tipped over four outdoor heaters at the side wall of the restaurant, causing the fire to quickly spread, police said.
Police said they arrested McDermott after he was seen at the crime scene. Police said McDermott has a no trespass order and said he would be back at the restaurant.
McDermott is held on a no bail status pending a bail review, police said.