Hackensack, NJ – A 78-year-old city resident has been arrested after investigators say he intentionally set fire to three police vehicles parked near a place of worship and municipal gas pumps in a downtown lot.

Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Tuesday that Jaime Magnelli Sr. was charged with multiple arson-related offenses following the Aug. 30 fire in Hackensack Municipal Parking Lot T at 78 Trinity Place. The lot, used for overflow police parking, sits next to the Bergen County Islamic Center.

Around 8:09 p.m., Hackensack police and firefighters responded to find three marked patrol cars engulfed in flames. Investigators determined the fires were intentionally set with an accelerant. While no injuries were reported, officials noted the blaze erupted dangerously close to gas pumps and an occupied mosque.

Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad, working with Hackensack police, identified Magnelli as the suspect. He was arrested on Sept. 2 and remanded to Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance.

Hackensack man, 78, charged with arson after police cars set ablaze near mosque — Photo: hackensack man, 78, charged with arson after police cars set ablaze near mosque

Magnelli faces charges including second-degree aggravated arson, second-degree risking widespread injury or damage, third-degree arson, third-degree criminal mischief, and fourth-degree failure to control or report a fire.

Authorities emphasized the charges remain allegations until proven in court.

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