Howellsville Road domestic incident results in arson, malicious wounding charges

Just after 8:00pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Warren County Sheriff’s Office units were dispatched to 3553 Howellsville Road, Front Royal, Virginia, located in Warren County, for a complaint of a Verbal Domestic. While units were in route, a second caller from inside the residence notified Warren County 911 that alcohol was thrown on a female victim and was attempted to be ignited. Warren County Fire and Rescue was notified and advised to stage near the residence until Sheriff’s Office Units could secure the scene.

Sheriff’s Office units arrived on scene and made contact with the original caller along with three juveniles located in the residence. The caller stated there was a verbal argument inside the residence with her husband. The caller stated that her husband had made threats to kill her along with himself in the morning. While the caller was lying in bed her husband then poured alcohol on her bedding, clothes and other items in the area, and threw a lit cigarette on the bed causing it to ignite. The caller had to extinguish the fire, causing what appeared to be minor injuries consistent with having a heat source on her hands.

The Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office arrived and assisted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office with the arson investigation.

After the investigation, Mr. Michael P. Hively of 3553 Howellsville Road was placed under arrest and transported to RSW Jail where three warrants were obtained and served for: Attempted Arson of an Occupied Dwelling, Malicious bodily injury and Assault and Battery on a Family Member. Mr. Hively was held on an unsecured bond.

Michael P. Hively. Photo / RSW Regional Jail

This incident still remains under investigation as an apparent attempted Arson of an occupied dwelling.

Anyone with further information about the incident can contact Deputy A. Stevens with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office 540-635-4128 or Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico at 540-636-3830.