Cops: Facebook Post Leads to Tip, Arrest of Alleged Arsonist

A Bayonne man has been arrested and jailed in connection with a trio of fires started on Main Street in Hackettstown last week, police said.

On Monday, April 20, police charged Connor Cashman, 21, was charged with criminal attempt to commit aggravated arson (second degree), and burglary (third degree) for 210 Main Street; arson (third degree), for 218 Main Street; and disorderly conduct for 220 Main Street.

Cashman is accused of setting fires to three different objects associated with Main Street businesses between midnight and 5 a.m. on April 16.

Hackettstown police responded to Topo Restaurant at 218 Main Street for a report of criminal mischief at 10:30 a.m., Sgt. Darren Tynan said. Police found a table umbrella had been burned and the cause of the fire was a “direct ignition source,” Tynan said.

On the same day police responded to 210 Main Street for a report of a burglary at 210 Main Street, Tynan said. An investigation revealed a suspect entered the structure and attempted to light the plastic coverings that were placed on the windows due to renovation of a fire, Tynan said. That fire was also started by a direct ignition.

Outside of 210 Main Street the suspect attempted to light the coax cable on fire, police said.

Earlier that day, at 4:25 a.m., police and Hackettstown firefighters responded to a dumpster fire in the rear of Michael’s Salon at 220 Main Street, police said.

Surveillance footage showed a person using a lighter to ignite the umbrella, walk away, and watch it burn, Tynan said.

Cashman was lodged in the Warren County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail with no 10-percent option.

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