ABSECON, NJ – Police in Absecon investigating a fire underneath a bridge near the Absecon train station found a man with his lower extremities on fire early Thursday morning.
Officers responding to the incident after being notified by NJ Transit workers found a brush fire near the tracks. When police and firefighters got closer, they encountered the man who had caught fire.
Officers were called to the Absecon Train Station just after 10:30 AM on March 9, 2023. NJ Transit employees reported safety concerns after observing a brush fire near the train tracks.
“Officers made attempts to intervene. However, the man refused help and disregarded orders. Officers on scene immediately acted and pulled the man to safety. The man, identified as Owen Mastrocola, continued to be uncooperative and resisted arrest,” the Absecon Police Department said today.
The department’s arson unit arrived on scene to investigate. Police arrested 52-year-old Owen Masrocola, 52, of Pleasantville and charged him with terroristic threats, obstructing justice, resisting arrest and other charges.
The extent of his injuries is unknown.