The Jersey City Police and Fire Departments worked together to arrest a 23-year-old woman for arson after a blaze broke out under a Tonnelle Avenue underpass, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
At approximately 2:39 p.m. on Sunday, the Jersey City Central Communications Bureau received a report of a fire near 276 Tonnelle Ave., according to public safety spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.
Responding officers observed flames beneath the underpass, which members of the Jersey City Fire Department worked to contain.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 57-year-old man was sleeping in a confined area behind a guardrail when he awoke to the fire.
As he attempted to extinguish the flames with his feet, he allegedly observed a woman pour an unknown liquid onto the fire, causing it to spread, noted Wallace-Scalcione.
The woman allegedly attempted to prevent the victim from escaping and calling for help.
The victim was not seriously injured by the fire, but may have been assaulted by the suspect as he attempted to escape. The victim refused any medical attention on scene.
JCPD issued a be on the look out (BOLO) alert containing the suspect’s description. At approximately 8:32 p.m., officers located and apprehended the suspect after she returned to the scene.
Janet Leigh Mullone, 23, of Jersey City, was arrested and charged with aggravated arson,
aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and criminal restraint.
“This arrest reflects the swift coordination between our police officers, firefighters, and investigators. Their response helped prevent further harm and ensured the suspect was taken into custody within hours,” expressed Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.
