Camden County, NJ — A South Jersey nurse faces attempted murder, kidnapping, arson, and other serious charges after authorities say he set multiple fires within minutes, including one at his apartment complex and another at the behavioral health facility where he worked, while employees and patients were inside.
Taquan N. Ayers, 25, of Gloucester Township, was arrested Thursday after investigators linked him to a series of arsons in Gloucester Township and Winslow Township, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, Gloucester Township Police Chief Anthony Minosse, and Winslow Township Police Chief Donald Lemons.
The allegations stem from a rapid sequence of events that unfolded on June 4, beginning with a fire at Ayers’ apartment and ending with his arrest at Oaks Integrated Care in Winslow Township.
Fires Erupt Minutes Apart
At approximately 11:52 a.m., Gloucester Township police officers and fire personnel responded to the Cherrywood Apartments at 1200 Little Gloucester Road for a reported fire at Ayers’ apartment.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it spread to neighboring units, and no injuries were reported.
During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed Ayers carrying a gasoline can at the apartment complex shortly before the fire started.
Just 11 minutes later, at approximately 12:03 p.m., Winslow Township police and fire crews responded to Oaks Integrated Care at 128 Berlin-Cross Keys Road after receiving reports of another arson.
Investigators Describe Escalating Threat at Workplace
When officers arrived, they found a vehicle belonging to Ayers burning outside the facility.
Authorities allege Ayers intentionally set his own vehicle on fire before entering the building carrying a gasoline can.
According to investigators, Ayers then poured gasoline throughout the lobby and attempted to ignite it, but the effort was unsuccessful.
Detectives further allege that Ayers made threats toward fellow employees and confined a co-worker inside a locked office for several minutes before leaving the building.
Numerous employees and patients were inside the facility during the incident, but no injuries were reported.
Ayers was taken into custody outside the building without incident.
Key Points
• Authorities say a Gloucester Township nurse set fires at his apartment and workplace within minutes of each other.
• Investigators allege he attempted to ignite a gasoline-soaked lobby while employees and patients were inside.
• The suspect also faces attempted murder and kidnapping charges related to the workplace incident.
Charges Include Attempted Murder and Kidnapping
The severity of the allegations is reflected in the extensive list of charges filed against Ayers.
In Gloucester Township, he was charged with one count each of second-degree aggravated arson and second-degree causing or risking widespread injury or damage.
In Winslow Township, prosecutors charged him with two counts of third-degree arson, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree attempted aggravated arson, and third-degree terroristic threats.
The attempted murder charge underscores prosecutors’ claim that the alleged actions created a potentially deadly situation inside a healthcare facility occupied by workers and patients.