Charleston, S.C. — Charleston Police Department detectives have charged Marleny Fernandez (44) in connection with a series of crimes involving vehicle theft, arson, burglary, and property damage that occurred between August 15 and August 16, 2025.
Detectives utilized surveillance footage and coordinated efforts across multiple investigative teams to identify Fernandez and link her to the following cases:
August 15, 2025
Between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., several incidents occurred in West Ashley:
- Zen Asian Fusion (Sam Rittenberg Blvd.): A trash can was set on fire inside the bathroom around 7:25 p.m.
- McDonald’s (Savannah Highway): Shortly thereafter, a trash can fire was set inside the bathroom.
- Circle K (1805 Savannah Highway): Around 10:00 p.m., a Toyota Land Cruiser was stolen from the gas station. The vehicle was later recovered on Drake Street.
August 16, 2025
In the early morning hours, detectives linked Fernandez to additional incidents:
- Reid Street: A Jeep Wrangler was found fully engulfed in flames which caused damage to a nearby residence. A Chevrolet Malibu parked nearby was also discovered with its interior intentionally set on fire.
- Circle K (588 East Bay Street): The Charleston Fire Department responded to two separate fires at the gas station. Gasoline was used to ignite trash near the gas pumps and a second fire was set near the propane tanks. Both fires were extinguished quickly.
- Drake Street: Fernandez attempted to set a Dodge SUV on fire by placing objects in the fuel tank and trying to ignite them.
- George Street & Meeting Street: A burglary was reported at a residence where several stolen items were later recovered, some in the Fernandez’s possession.
- Pinckney Street near Church Street: Surveillance footage captured Fernandez entering an unlocked vehicle and taking several items.
Fernandez is charged with burglary 2nd degree, breaking into a motor vehicle, attempting to maliciously burn the property of another, grand larceny, two counts of arson 3rd degree, and four counts of arson 2nd degree.
This was a serious and extensive crime spree, and our detectives worked quickly to connect the incidents and identify Fernandez as the suspect. She was apprehended on August 19 on the initial charges and remains in custody pending bond hearing for the additional charges.
These investigations remain active. Anyone with additional information related to these incidents is asked to contact the a Central Detective at 843-720-2422 or online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.
###
Media Release
Release Date: August 20, 2025
Media Contact: Lt. A. Gibson