Two charged with arson July 6 in connection with BMW fire in June

Members of the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office concluded a month-long investigation July 6 with the arrest of two Triangle men on felony charges of arson, according to an FMO news release.

The investigation involved a BMW vehicle fire mid-afternoon on June 6 on the service road next to Possum Point Road in Triangle.

Robert Paul Basista, 62, 0f 18610 Old Triangle Road, Apt. 3, Triangle, was charged with arson to property greater than $200 and grand larceny of property greater than $200. He is being held without bond and his court date is Aug. 3, 2015.

Timothy Wilburn, 61, of 3170 Oakmont Ave., Triangle, was charged with arson to property greater than $200. His
court date is Sept.15, 2015. He was released on $5000 unsecured bond.

According to the news release, crews from Dumfries Triangle Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the scene of the vehicle fire at approximately 2:30 p.m. June 6 where they found a BMW, supported by blocks, on fire.

While the vehicle was still on fire, officials from the Fire Marshal’s Office arrived and began an immediate investigation. The lead investigator identified several pieces of evidence before the fire was extinguished. The BMW was a total loss and, according to the FMO report, the initial investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally set.

Following a detailed investigation and evidence collection which included help from the public, FMO investigators identified two suspects. They obtained a search warrant for additional evidence and executed the warrant with Prince William County Police assistance. After the additional evidence was obtained, the two suspects were arrested and changed, according the news release.