New Jersey blaze traced to alleged Molotov cocktails thrown at home
South Toms River, NJ — A Bronx man is facing multiple arson and weapons charges after investigators say he threw Molotov cocktails at a vehicle and toward a home in Ocean County, sparking fires that drew an emergency response and a multi-state manhunt.
The incident unfolded on March 23 at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Belmont Drive, where first responders arrived to find a 2010 GMC Terrain burning along with a separate fire in a grassy area near the residence. Both fires were extinguished at the scene.
Investigators reported recovering a broken glass bottle and another bottle containing an unknown liquid with a rag inserted, consistent with an incendiary device.
A joint investigation determined the fire originated at the front windshield of the vehicle and was caused by an open flame applied to combustible materials. Authorities allege that Tashaun Normand, 42, constructed and deployed the devices, throwing them at the vehicle and in the direction of the residence.
Normand was taken into custody Monday in Monroe County, Tennessee, by the Tennessee Highway Patrol without incident. He remains jailed there pending extradition to New Jersey.
He has been charged with two counts of aggravated arson and two counts of possession of a destructive device. Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive.
Multiple agencies participated in the investigation, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit Arson Squad, South Toms River Police, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
The charges are accusations, and Normand is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Bronx man charged with aggravated arson and possession of destructive devices
- Molotov cocktails allegedly used to ignite vehicle and nearby area
- Suspect arrested in Tennessee and awaiting extradition to New Jersey
