Arson Charge Filed In Connection With 2024 Car Fire In Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — A 40-year-old New Hampshire man is facing an arson charge in connection with a 2024 car fire at an apartment complex in Tolland.

On Oct. 21, state police served a warrant to Jin Zhang in the case. He has been charged with third-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree threatening with a hazard in an attempt to terrorize and first-degree reckless endangerment.

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Zhang was arraigned in Rockville Superior Court that same day and hius initial $250,000 bond was knocked down to $50,000, which he posted. Zhang is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 8, judicial system records show.

According to a warrant, at 10:28 p.m. on May 16, 2024, state police and Tolland fire crews were dispatched to the Norwegian Woods apartment complex after a 911 call reported a car fire.

The vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta with Massachusetts registration, was "fully engulfed" in flames when they arrivd at the scene, according to a warrant.

The 911 called said he heard "a loud bang" in the parking lot and jumped out of bed only to see a car on fire and a gas can next to it, according to a warrant. He and his girlfriend then rushed outside, according to a warrant.

He then heard his girlfriend arguing with someone who said, "Sorry, I have to start World War three and I am going to burn this whole place down," according to a warrant.

The man's car had a New Hampshire plate and was traced to Zhang after he left the scene, according to a warrant.