October 29, 2020

Baltimore County Police have arrested a man in connection with the October 28 burning of a well-known restaurant. David McDermott, 40 years old, from the unit block of Hawthorne Avenue, 21208 has been charged with second degree arson in a fire that destroyed Jilly’s Bar and Grill located at 1012 Reisterstown Road, 21208.

Police were dispatched for an alarm at the restaurant around 4 a.m. and when they arrived they saw the place fully engulfed in flames. Members of the ATF and Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office responded to assist with the crime scene. Howard County Fire Marshal’s office responded with an accelerant detection dog. The investigation concluded that someone ignited four outdoor heaters and tipped them against the side wall of the restaurant. This caused the paneling to ignite quickly and spread.

Detectives were able to determine that suspect McDermott had been issued a no trespass order the day before and made statements that he would be back. Officers at the scene who were familiar with McDermott spotted him walking in the area of the crime scene. It was determined that suspect McDermott was responsible for the arson and he was placed under arrest.

McDermott is currently being held on a no bail status pending a bail review.