Details thin as investigation continues
By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
MONROE — Police believe an early Monday morning fire that damaged an Arlene Drive residence was arson.
Middlesex County prosecutor’s Office spokesman Jim O’Neil said the 4 a.m. fire in the two-story colonial home appears to have been intentionally set.
Due to the nature of the crime, and to protect the residents of the home, police are not disclosing details about who lives there, why the home may have been targeted, or what the status of the victims is at this time.
Details about how the fire started were also not disclosed.
”This is a crime and we are withholding details while it is being investigated,” Mr. O’Neil said.
Police said the fire was reported at 3:59 a.m. and officers responded with EMS workers and firefighters from Monroe Township Fire stations 23-A, 23-B and 57.
The fire was brought under control in 10-15 minutes and no injuries to the residents or rescue workers were reported, according to police.
No arrests had been made in the case as of Monday afternoon, Mr. O’Neil said.
Monroe Detective Sgt. Lisa Robinson and county investigator Todd O’Malley are investigating the case.
Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County is offering a cash reward for information on the case that can be redeemed at a local bank with a numerical code, according to officials.
The phone number is: 1-800-939-9600. The website is: middlesextips.com. Text messages may be sent to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ‘‘midtip” followed by a message.
Anyone with information can also call Sgt. Robinson at 732-521-0222, extension 149 or Investigator O’Malley at 732-745-3908.