Two Montgomery County Firefighters Charged After Flooding High School Baseball Field
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Two Montgomery County firefighters are facing criminal charges after allegedly flooding a high school baseball field in Maryland during a dispute over stray baseballs striking vehicles and fire station property.
Capt. Christopher Reilly and firefighter Alan Barnes have each been charged with two counts of malicious destruction of property and one count of disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors, according to court records.
The incident took place on July 17 at Montgomery Blair High School, which is next to Silver Spring Fire Station 16 where both men are assigned. A criminal complaint cites video evidence showing Barnes moving a fire truck to the back of the station and Reilly using a hose to spray water onto the field.
The flooding forced the cancellation of a Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League game, costing the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts both revenue and playing time.
When questioned by team staff, Reilly said he was trying to “get your attention” after repeated complaints about baseballs causing damage. He admitted spraying water for about a minute, though court records and team officials said it lasted closer to three minutes. Barnes’ attorney maintains his client only moved the truck at Reilly’s direction and did not handle the hose.
“I was stunned,” local attorney Jessica Zarrella told the Washington Post. “I mean, who do you teach your kids they can trust? A firefighter.”
The men were formally charged on September 22. Both have been removed from operational duties while the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service conducts an internal investigation. Fire Chief Corey Smedley stated that the actions described in the complaint do not reflect the department’s standards or values.
Reilly and Barnes are scheduled to appear in court on October 21.
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