Estranged husband charged with arson, animal cruelty in home explosion in Essex [Video]

ESSEX, Md. — A man faces arson and animal cruelty charges for an explosion and fire at a home in Essex.

Michael Greensfelder, 52, is accused of intentionally creating a fuel/gas explosion that led to the fire. It was the home he shared with his estranged wife and children. The family dog died in the fire.

The fire happened at 28 Crafton Road on April 20. Fire crews were called for the explosion at 11:04 p.m. and more crews were called minutes later. The home was leveled and there were concerns about the fire spreading to other homes.

No other homes were damaged.

WMAR spoke to neighbor, Keith Jacobs, who described the scene, “I was lying in bed and I just heard a boom and felt the house move and next thing you know all the activity got started here last night.”

Greensfelder is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center.