Salisbury, MD – A 51-year-old woman, Janice Oney, has been arrested and charged with arson, reckless endangerment, and theft under $100 after allegedly setting fire to a man’s home over a $7 debt. The incident occurred on August 5, 2025, when Oney, after an argument with the homeowner, returned to his property with gasoline and intentionally set the front door on fire.
According to authorities, Oney fled the scene on a bicycle, leaving behind the flames that fortunately did not spread beyond the door. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, and no one was injured during the incident. The Salisbury Fire Department responded promptly, containing the fire before it caused any significant damage to the home.
Details of the Fire and Investigation
The altercation between Janice Oney and the male homeowner reportedly began over a $7 debt, which Oney claimed the man owed her. The argument escalated, leading Oney to allegedly return to the residence with gasoline. Authorities state that she poured gasoline on the front door and set it alight. After the fire was ignited, Oney fled the scene on a bicycle.
Local authorities used security footage from the area as well as witness statements to identify Oney as the prime suspect. Investigators were able to track down her whereabouts, leading to her arrest later that day.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Oney now faces multiple charges, including arson, reckless endangerment, and theft under $100. Authorities have confirmed that while the fire caused some damage to the door, the incident could have been far worse if not for the swift response from emergency services.
At this time, it is unclear whether Oney has any prior criminal history or if she will face additional charges related to the incident. Salisbury Police have stated that they are continuing to gather evidence and witness statements to ensure that all aspects of the case are addressed.
Public Reaction and Impact
The Salisbury community has been shocked by the incident, especially considering the seemingly minor amount of money that led to such an extreme act. Many residents are grappling with the reality of a crime being committed over such a small debt, and local officials have expressed concern over the potential risks associated with the fire.
“This is a very unusual and disturbing situation,” said Salisbury Fire Chief Rick Hines. “While no one was hurt, this could have been a much more serious incident if the fire had spread. Thankfully, the quick actions of our firefighters kept the damage minimal.”
Janice Oney’s Motive and Mental Health Concerns
While Oney’s motives appear to be tied to the dispute over the $7 debt, authorities are also exploring whether any mental health issues may have influenced her actions. Friends and family members have not yet commented publicly on her state of mind or whether she had been dealing with any personal challenges.
“We’re still trying to understand exactly what led to this incident,” said a spokesperson for the Salisbury Police Department. “What started as a financial dispute escalated in a dangerous and destructive way. We will continue to investigate all factors related to this case.”
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
Janice Oney’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of how disputes, even over small amounts of money, can escalate into violence and endanger lives. The fact that no one was hurt is a fortunate outcome, but the incident has left the Salisbury community shaken.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging anyone with further information about Oney’s history or her actions leading up to the fire to come forward. Salisbury police continue to work on piecing together the full picture of what transpired and ensuring that all appropriate charges are brought.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The case has already sparked public debate about the effects of financial stress and the importance of addressing mental health issues before they lead to violent outcomes.