The attempted firebombing of a Cecil County police officer’s Aberdeen home was not intended to threaten or intimidate him, investigators said earlier today.

“We don’t believe anything was directed toward him, and neither does he,” said Joe Zarulo, deputy state fire marshal.

Cpl. Don Alexander, who is black, did not think the attack on his home Wednesday night was racially motivated, said Lt. Bernard Chiominto of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office. Nor was it because he works in court security in Cecil County, Zarulo said.

“There are other police officers who live in that neighborhood,” he said.

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The two Molotov cocktails lobbed into Alexander’s back yard did not break open and ignite the fuel within, so no damage was done to the house, Zarulo said. Firefighters called by a neighbor around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday recognized the attempted attack and called in investigators.

Chiominto said the Aberdeen Police Department has performed security checks on the property, and the Fire Marshal’s office is continuing the investigation. While they have ruled out intimidation, Zarulo said they have not yet determined what the motive was or who might have carried out the attack. 

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com