SECAUCUS, N.J. — A West New York man was arrested Tuesday following a week-long investigation into a fire and vandalism incident on Front Street, police said.
Secaucus Police responded to two incidents on June 28. In the early morning, officers were called to Spotless Mind Hair Studio after a rock was thrown through the front glass door. Later that day, they responded to a nearby home where an American flag had been set on fire. The fire damaged the flag, its pole, and caused minor charring to the siding of the house before extinguishing on its own.
Following an investigation by the Secaucus Police Detective Division, Joherik D. Urena, 30, was identified as the suspect in both incidents. Police arrested Urena at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.
“I commend the collective investigative efforts of the Secaucus Police Detectives and I am proud of their swift and diligent work,” Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said in a statement.
Urena was charged with arson and criminal mischief. He has been released pending a court appearance.
“These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” police said.
Authorities said no injuries were reported in connection to either incident.