Fire fighters putting out fire - file photo
Fire fighters putting out fire - File PHoto

Toms River man charged with four counts of arson in Monmouth County

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Detectives in Wall Township have linked a Toms River man to a fire set at a local business that destroyed six vehicles in September.

Harcourt “Paul” S. Ward, 69, of Toms River, was charged with four counts of second-degree arson, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

On September 26th, Ward is alleged to have set a fire at a business on Atlantic Avenue. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a fire. Upon their arrival, officers found six vehicles engulfed in flames.

The estimated damage of the fire was $1,000,000. Ward was identified as the suspect by investigators and charged.

Charlie Dwyer

Charlie Dwyer is our New Jersey area news reporter. Dwyer reports on New Jersey news and events at the shore and beyond. Charlie covers New Jersey regional news. Charlie is a freelancer working for Shore News Network under a pen name.