Mount Olive NJ Aggravated Arson LawyersA Morris County New Jersey grand jury has indicted a Budd Lake man accused of arson.

The 34-year-old suspect has been charged with two counts of aggravated arson. According to Morris County prosecutors, the suspect deliberately started a fire in his apartment at the Eagle Rock Village in Budd Lake, NJ. Budd Lake is an unincorporated community in Mount Olive, New Jersey.

Authorities believe that the suspect used several propane tanks to vent gas into his apartment. Additionally, the suspect allegedly burned a candle in order to cause the fire.

When Newark firefighters arrived at the scene, they were able to extinguish the flames. Thankfully, none of the other residents in the apartment complex were injured as a result of the fire.

Arson investigators searched the suspect’s apartment and reportedly found a glass candle placed underneath a chair. According to officials, the chair was covered with clothing. Investigators also reportedly found propane tanks set to vent gas into the apartment.

Once police determined that the suspect may have intentionally started the fire, police officers managed to locate him in New York. The suspect was then placed under arrest without incident.

In addition to the arson charges, the suspect has also been indicted on charges of hindering apprehension. According to the indictment, the suspect “purposely or knowingly” started the fire and placed other individuals at risk of “death or bodily injury.”

The suspect is said to have a prior criminal history. Sussex County prosecutors said that he pleaded guilty last year to unrelated criminal charges for theft of movable property, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and criminal contempt.

 

For further information about this case, go to the NJ.com article entitled “Budd Lake Man Indicted for Allegedly Setting His Apartment on Fire.”