Police Discover Marijuana During Lake Ridge House Fire

Police reportedly discovered marijuana in a Lake Ridge house after a structure fire was extinguished in a neighboring home on Aztec Place, Prince William County Police Dennis Jensen said. 

Mark Outlaw, 33, of Lake Ridge, was arrested April 16 and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. His court date is June 7, and he is being held on a $7,000 secured bond.

Police reportedly discovered the marijuana after checking on Outlaw's house after the fire damaged the neighboring house and moved on to Outlaw's. 

Outlaw's neighbors returned home on April 16 and found a fire on the rear deck. After attempting to drown out the fire with a water hose, they left the house and called 911. Responding units reported fire reaching into the attic of the two-story home. Four residents were displaced as a result of the fire, and the damage is estimated to be $18,000. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

The fire spread to Outlaw's residence, and police and fire units reportedly found the growing marijuana.

"As a result of the search, marijuana plants and additional evidence supporting distribution were seized," Jensen said.

Outlaw was arrested without incident.