By josh davidson
Staff Writer
ABERDEEN — A township man was charged with aggravated arson after a fire at an acquaintance’s house caused interior and exterior damage.
Township police arrested and charged Robert Lee Hayes, 25, of Nathan Court, with aggravated arson and criminal mischief in connection with the fire.
Police arrived at the residence at 11:25 p.m. July 11 and noticed fire and smoke coming from the residence and a patio chair in flames, according to police reports.
Township Patrolman Matthew McDow used a fire extinguisher to keep the fire under control until the Aberdeen Township Hose and Chemical Company arrived and extinguished the fire.
"Officer McDow had it knocked down, and then the fire company came and finished it up," township police Detective Sgt. Richard Derechailo said.
Police are unsure of what was used to start the fire, Derechailo said.
The chair was set on fire which spread through the rest of the property, he said.
Hayes allegedly attempted to enter the residence prior to the incident but was not allowed in, according to police reports. Hayes was arrested by township police Sgt. Raymond Sosa on Atlantic Avenue on July 11 and charged.
"The officers on the road did a great job," Derechailo said. "It was a quick response. They were able to find him in the area, which led to his arrest."
The victim knew the suspect, the police officer added.
"That’s how we were able to grab him so quickly," he said.
Hayes is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, on $25,000 bail.
Damage also included a broken window in the front of the house and smoke damage to the front porch awning and aluminum siding. The interior of the house sustained some smoke damage.