Toms river police dept. - file photo — Toms River Police Dept. - File Photo

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man has been charged with aggravated arson following a structure fire that occurred late Monday night at a residential complex on Route 166, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Tuesday.

Kevin Funchess, 59, was identified as the individual responsible for setting the fire inside a unit at Winteringham Village shortly before 11 p.m. on April 14.

Emergency crews from Toms River Township Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene and discovered the fire had already been extinguished.

Investigators determined that the blaze started in the living room and was caused by an open flame used in combination with an ignitable liquid. Officials classified the fire as incendiary and initiated a coordinated investigation among several county and township agencies.

Funchess was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of shortness of breath. Authorities said that after being medically cleared, he will be transferred to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Multidepartment response credited in quick arrest

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the interagency effort that led to Funchess’s swift apprehension. “I want to thank all of our law enforcement and fire service partners for their outstanding work in connection with this investigation,” he said.

No injuries or additional damage were reported in connection with the fire. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, and the incident remains under investigation.

Key Points

Kevin Funchess, 59, has been charged with aggravated arson after a fire at Winteringham Village.
Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set with an open flame and ignitable liquid.
Funchess was taken into custody at the scene and will be held pending a detention hearing.

Authorities say Funchess will remain in custody as the investigation into the cause and motive of the fire continues.

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