Arson Destroys United Carpet and Floors of Marylan
Pinefield, MD, Apr. 14--According to the Washington Post, a fire destroyed United Carpet and Floors, a 24 year old family owned business in a strip mall in Pinefield Maryland last week. Maryland fire investigators are saying the fire was set and have asked the public's help in identifying suspects.
Chavon Sturdivant a United employee discovered the blaze and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher. Her efforts fell short and she called 911.
Michael Mosleh, 33, the store's owner, said the warehouse was full of carpets, rugs and lacquered wood floors, and "everything was flammable." He said it is still a mystery how the fire started.
As the investigation goes forward, Mosleh said he is trying to rebuild his business. On Friday, the windows were boarded up and the interior was filled with burned carpet samples, glass and cardboard. The business's red, white and blue sign was darkened with soot.
Mosleh said it would be at least two months before he could reopen his operation in the same office, but he can still take customer orders. He has opened another office a couple of doors down in the same shopping center, and new shipments of carpet and flooring have been ordered.
"We're going to do business," Mosleh said. "It's just difficult right now. We're still in a state of shock."
