Newark NJ police recently arrested a local man who allegedly committed arson by intentionally starting a fire at an apartment complex.

The suspect is a 27-year-old resident of Newark, New Jersey. According to law enforcement, the suspect attempted to start a gas fire inside a Newark NJ apartment.

It was late at night when the Newark Police Department received a report of a strong gas odor coming from inside an apartment building on the 100 block of Lafayette Avenue in Newark, NJ. Newark NJ police officers and firefighters were sent to the scene, where they reportedly noticed that the stove burners had been turned on.

Additionally, Newark law enforcement reportedly saw the suspect leaving the apartment through a window, heading down a fire escape, and trying to flee the area on foot. Police officers chased down the suspect outside the building and placed him under arrest.

The suspect has been charged with criminal mischief. It is possible that additional charges for arson could be forthcoming because authorities are actively investigating the case.

To learn more about this case, check out the NJ.com article, “Newark Man Charged in Alleged Arson Attempt.”