Police arrested a man accused of setting a couch on fire and causing significant damage to a residence and injuring one person in Parsippany, New Jersey.
According to authorities, the 27-year-old suspect set blaze to a couch that had been left outdoors at a Lakeshore Drive home.
Although the suspect did not live at the residence, he reportedly knew the person who was injured as a result of the fire. The individual who was injured was reportedly trying to extinguish the fire.
After the fire grew out of control, Parsippany police received a call about the incident. Police officers and fire officials were then dispatched to the house.
Police and fire officials found the couch outside the home and determined that it was the cause of the blaze. Thankfully, first-responders were able to extinguish the fire before it caused further damage.
Parsippany NJ police are still actively investigating the alleged crime. At this time, authorities have not revealed why the couch was outdoors. Additionally, police have not yet stated if the suspect started the fire with the intent to damage the home.
The suspect was placed under arrest at the scene without incident. He has been charged with a number of criminal offenses, including aggravated arson, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Prosecutors have not yet said what prompted the weapons charges.
If the suspect is convicted on the aggravated arson charges, he would be subject to severe criminal penalties. That’s because N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1 classifies aggravated arson as a second degree felony. Anyone who causes a fire that injures another person can potentially be charged with second degree aggravated arson and sentenced to 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is still investigating the fire. Anyone who has information to share is asked to contact police at 973-263-4300. Members of the public can also call Morris County CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255.
For more information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Man Accused of Setting Couch Ablaze, Damaging Lake Parsippany Home.”
