Man throws Molotov cocktail in Prince George's County liquor store, injures 2, officials say

BELTSVILLE, Md. - A man was arrested after he threw a Molotov cocktail into a Prince George's County liquor store, injuring two employees, according to officials.

The Prince George's County Fire Department said it responded to the store in the 11700 block of Beltsville Drive in Beltsville at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Officials said a man, later identified as 22-year-old Kevon Robert Edwards of Laurel, Maryland, entered the store and threw a Molotov cocktail onto the ground inside the store, badly burning two employees. Firefighters arrived at the scene and put the fire out.

Officials said Edwards fled the scene but was taken into custody shortly after the attack.

A part-time worker told FOX 5 that the suspect was spotted harassing people near the Giant Food store nearby earlier in day and police was called. Several hours later, the suspect came back with the Molotov cocktail.

One of the liquor store employees suffered burns from his neck to his pelvic region. He is being treated in the intensive care unit at the Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The other victim was treated at the hospital and later released.

Edie Tewelde, a neighbor of the worker who was badly hurt in the incident, said he is a caring and generous man who works the part time job to provide for his family.

"He loves his family, he loves his son, he is a very dedicated person to his job, to his neighbors," she said. "It's hard for me to imagine that anyone would want to harm him."

Edwards faces a slew of charges including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree arson, reckless endangerment and four counts of destructive device.

He was being held without bail. Officials estimated the damage to the store to be approximately $2,000 and a motive for the attack has not yet been determined.