Jeff Goldman
nj.com
(TNS)
A 30-year-old New Jersey man started fires at two townhouses in a complex in Evesham where he once resided on consecutive days this week, officials said.
Colin J. DeLuca ignited a fire around 10 p.m Sunday at a townhouse on the 100 block of Aspen Court in Marlton Village that spread to a neighboring residence, Evesham police said Wednesday. Firefighters put out the fire but the townhouse is a total loss. Another townhome was also damaged, police said.
In all seven people resided in the two townhouses.
The following day, authorities allege DeLuca started a fire at about 9:30 p.m. on the 100 block of Empress Street that the homeowner extinguished before firefighters and police arrived. The townhouse was left with minor damage.
DeLuca, of Little Egg Harbor, was arrested early Wednesday after police found him near the fires while they were investigating. Police said residents’ surveillance footage aided in the search for the arsonist.
He is a former resident of the complex, police said at an afternoon news conference.
He was charged with two counts of aggravated arson in connection with Monday’s fire. Charges are pending for the first blaze. Police said they found items in DeLuca’s vehicle linking him to the fires, as well as a crossbow.
Attorney information for DeLuca wasn’t immediately available. He is at an area hospital receiving treatment for a matter “unrelated” to his arrest, police said. DeLuca will then be sent to the Burlington County jail.
Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is asked to call Evesham police at 856-983-1116. Confidential tips can be left at 856-983-4699 or by texting ETPDTIP to 847411.
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