South Orange Man Admits Torching Car

A South Orange man pleaded guilty today to an arson committed in Irvington in February 2009.

Keontrae Lawrence, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated arson, according to a news release from Robert Laurino, Acting Essex County Prosecutor.

According to the details of the plea agreement, Lawrence was seen running from a burning car at 114 Eastern Parkway in Irvington. He apparently had just  ignited a gasoline fire in the passenger compartment of the car. The car belonged to the defendant's grandmother. A witness saw him take off two rubber gloves and drop them near the scene. The defendant's DNA was recovered from the gloves, which helped solve the crime.

Lawrence is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 18, 2011,