Toms River man charged with four counts of arson in Monmouth County

Fire fighters putting out fire - File PHoto
Fire fighters putting out fire - File PHoto

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Detectives in Wall Township have linked a Toms River man to a fire set at a local business that destroyed six vehicles in September.

Harcourt “Paul” S. Ward, 69, of Toms River, was charged with four counts of second-degree arson, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

On September 26th, Ward is alleged to have set a fire at a business on Atlantic Avenue. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a fire. Upon their arrival, officers found six vehicles engulfed in flames.

The estimated damage of the fire was $1,000,000. Ward was identified as the suspect by investigators and charged.