NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A second suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with a massive wildfire in Ocean County.
The fire started on Tuesday, April 22, and shot across more than 15,000 acres in 48 hours, causing thousands of residents to evacuate. The next day, 19-year-old Joseph Kling, of Waretown, was arrested and charged.
Authorities say a 17-year-old was also taken into custody and charged with aggravated arson, hindering apprehension and arson in connection with a wildfire.
According to investigators, Kling and the 17-year-old are accused of setting some pallets on fire in the woods and leaving before they were fully extinguished.
A single commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed in the fire. Several structures were threatened. As of Friday, May 2, the wildfire is 80% contained.
Kling also faces a new hindering apprehension charge. During a detention hearing Friday afternoon, Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Lindsay argued for Kling be held for trial, saying he is a danger to the community and noting he has simple assault charges still pending from January.
“He put himself at risk, he put the other individuals with him at risk. He gambled with the lives and well-being of the community when he lit that fire and subsequently did not put it out and knew it to be burning when he left.”
Kling’s Defense Attorney Joseph Compello says he is a lifelong resident of Ocean County, has no real ability or desire to flee and will remain at home to see this matter through trial.
“This is someone who has deep roots in the community, someone who has a history of being tied to the community.”
The judge did not issue a ruling and adjourned the detention hearing until Monday.