Newark Man Throws Fiery Clothes At Cops, Jumps From Balcony: PD

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark man has been accused of igniting a pile of clothes with lighter fluid during a home burglary on Sunday night, then throwing them at police officers and trying to make his getaway by jumping off a balcony.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, police were called to the 100-block of Hobson Street after getting a report about a burglary in progress.

Authorities said that a man “who the burglary victim knows,” Naim Workman, 34, of Newark, entered the victim’s home and used lighter fluid to ignite clothing on a living room sofa.

Workman threw the fiery garments at police and kicked an officer before fleeing to the balcony. He then jumped from the balcony and was immediately arrested when he landed, authorities said.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 9:50 p.m. In all, about 70 firefighters responded to combat the two-alarm blaze.

The fire was put under control at 10:44 p.m. The Newark Fire Division’s Arson Unit is investigating, authorities said Monday.

Workman was transported to University Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Police at the scene were also transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Workman faces charges of burglary, resisting arrest and aggravated assault upon a police officer. He is also charged with contempt on two outstanding warrants. Other charges are pending, authorities said.

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