Hurlock Man Arrested for Arson and Assault Following Christmas Eve Incident

Dorchester County, MD - A Hurlock man is in custody after allegedly setting multiple fires inside a home during a domestic dispute on Christmas Eve. Deputy State Fire Marshals arrested Matthew B. Haigis, 32, on January 22, 2026, following an investigation into the incident that occurred in the 4800 block of Skinners Run Road.

Authorities report that deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office initially responded to the residence just before 5:00 p.m. on December 24, 2025. Upon arrival, they discovered a fire within the home while the suspect's mother was still inside.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, limiting the damage to just under $1,000 and preventing the fire from spreading further.

Following an examination of the scene and witness interviews, the Office of the State Fire Marshal determined that Haigis intentionally set multiple fires during a physical altercation with his mother.

Investigators had been searching for Haigis since the day of the incident. He was apprehended with assistance from the Maryland State Police and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

Haigis is currently held without bond at the Dorchester County Detention Center. He faces charges from the Office of the State Fire Marshal including First-Degree Arson, Second-Degree Malicious Burning, Arson of a Trash Container, and Reckless Endangerment.

Additionally, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office has charged him with multiple offenses related to the assault on his mother, including attempted murder.

Authorities noted that Haigis is also wanted on outstanding warrants in Pennsylvania and will eventually be extradited to face those charges.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.