Arson

Arson Task Force Probes Early Morning Jersey City Blaze that Displaced 33 People

Fire truck enroute to call.

Arson Task Force Probes Jersey City Blaze

**Jersey City, NJ** – A fire that occurred Wednesday at a residential building on Monticello Avenue is under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and Jersey City Fire Department. The fire was reported shortly before 6:00 a.m. at 274 Monticello Avenue, where emergency responders found heavy smoke and fire in the building’s basement and first-floor hallway.

During response operations, a 70-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were discovered injured. Both were initially taken to Jersey City Medical Center and later transferred to Jacobi Medical Center in New York City for further medical treatment. Their condition is reported as stable.

The fire, which began in the basement, is not viewed as suspicious at present. In total, 33 residents have been displaced due to the incident, and a firefighter suffered minor injuries receiving treatment at Jersey City Medical Center.

Investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing. Authorities request anyone with relevant information to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or submit a tip online, assuring that all information provided will remain confidential.

District Attorney Announces Guilty Plea in Orange County Arson Case

Fire

District Attorney Announces Guilty Plea in Arson Case

**Orange County, NY** – Tyler Williams, a 26-year-old from Middletown, has pled guilty to second-degree arson in Orange County Court. The case was overseen by Judge Craig Stephen Brown, where it was announced that the prosecution will recommend a 20-year prison sentence followed by five years of post-release supervision for Williams.

The initial incident occurred on December 20, 2023, when Williams received traffic tickets from a New York State Trooper in Middletown. Early the next morning, a fire was ignited at the home of the Trooper’s father in Warwick. First responders included the Town of Warwick Police, Orange County Fire Investigation Unit, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

An extensive investigation conducted by the Town of Warwick Police, the New York State Police Major Crimes Unit, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office led to Williams’ arrest. More than 20 search warrants were executed, largely focusing on digital evidence, alongside numerous subpoenas. Williams admitted to starting the fire, knowing people were inside the home.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the Town of Goshen Police Department

Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Arson

Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Arson

**Queens, NY** – Evan Person has pleaded guilty to second-degree arson after setting fire to cars and a home in South Ozone Park, critically injuring two people. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the plea, noting Person’s actions over a span of less than an hour which endangered lives and resulted in significant injuries to the home’s occupants.

District Attorney Katz expressed gratitude to the FDNY Fire Marshals for their role in the case. FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker highlighted the danger posed to New Yorkers and FDNY members by Person’s acts, commending the efforts of all involved for ensuring public safety.

Person, a resident of Linden Boulevard aged 35, was indicted on multiple charges. These included two counts each of first-degree arson and criminal mischief, along with burglary and endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded guilty before Justice Toni Cimino on Tuesday and faces a 15-year prison sentence starting early January.

The incident, occurring on July 4, involved video evidence of Person lighting a BMW on fire, which subsequently damaged another vehicle, followed by an attack on a nearby home. The ensuing fire injured two individuals who were asleep in the basement

Suspect Charged with Arson for Bensalem Fire

Arson Conspiracy Conviction Announced

**Bensalem, PA** – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the conviction of Ramiz Duka, a 61-year-old resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, for conspiracy to commit arson nearly two years after a commercial building fire.

Trial evidence showed that Duka organized a plan with two men to set ablaze a warehouse at 1388 Bridgewater Road, Bensalem, Pennsylvania. He paid them $15,000 for this illegal act. Over weeks, the conspirators held meetings to strategize the arson.

The fire was ignited by one of the recruited men on December 10, 2022. During firefighting efforts, Firefighter Nicholas Altomare was seriously injured in a ladder collapse. He temporarily left work but has since returned after recovery. The fire resulted in close to $6 million in damages.

At sentencing, Duka faces a prison term ranging from a mandatory minimum of five years to a maximum of 20 years. Authorities extended appreciation to volunteer firefighters, including Altomare, and other agencies involved in tackling the arson case.