Charleston, SC – Marleny Fernandez, 44, was arrested in connection with a series of crimes across Charleston, including arson, vehicle theft, and burglary. Fernandez faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, breaking into a motor vehicle, attempting to maliciously burn property, grand larceny, two counts of third-degree arson, and four counts of second-degree arson. The charges are linked to incidents that occurred in West Ashley and downtown Charleston between August 15 and 16.
Timeline of Crimes
August 15:
Zen Asian Fusion (Sam Rittenberg Boulevard): A trash can was set on fire inside the bathroom just before 7:30 p.m..
McDonald’s (Savannah Highway): Another trash can was set on fire shortly after the first incident.
Circle K Gas Station: A Toyota Land Cruiser was stolen around 10 p.m. and later recovered on Drake Street.
August 16:
Reid and Hanover Streets: Early morning, a Jeep Wrangler was found fully engulfed in flames, damaging a nearby residence. The vehicle’s owner claimed there were no flammable materials inside the car.
Additional Vehicle Fires: A Chevrolet Malibu was also found damaged by fire. Police noted there was no forced entry, but a large burn hole was found in the rear seat.
Circle K Gas Station (East Bay Street): Two separate fires were set, one near the gas pumps and the other near propane tanks. Both were quickly extinguished.
Dodge SUV Attempt: Fernandez allegedly attempted to ignite a Dodge SUV by placing objects in its fuel tank and trying to set them on fire.
Burglary and Theft
Burglary at a residence: A break-in was reported at a home on George and Meeting Streets, with several stolen items later recovered, some found in Fernandez’s possession.
Vehicle theft on Pinckney Street: Fernandez was seen in surveillance footage entering an unlocked vehicle and taking items near Church Street.
Investigation and Arrest
Detectives from the Charleston Police Department used surveillance video and coordinated investigative efforts to connect Fernandez to the string of crimes. She was apprehended on August 19 and remains in custody pending a bond hearing.
“This was a serious and extensive crime spree, and our detectives worked quickly to connect the incidents and identify Fernandez as the suspect,” said officials with the Charleston Police Department.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is still active, and police are urging anyone with information related to these incidents to contact the central detective at 843-720-2422.
