Suspicious fires investigated
The Medford Township Police Criminal Investigations Bureau, in conjunction with the Medford Township fire marshal, has reported an ongoing investigation of a series of suspicious fires being set in Medford.
According to officials, the first of three fires was reported on Jan. 6.
Medford Township Police, fire and EMS, as well as Medford Lakes and Tabernacle Fire, responded to an abandoned structure engulfed in flames on Dixontown Road.
According to police, the now-collapsed structure belongs to an elderly female from Shamong.
Upon further investigation of the incident, police discovered the fire was intentionally set.
The second and third fires, both reported at different times on Jan. 21, led officials to the area of Taunton Boulevard near the entrance to the Village of Taunton Forge and the wooded area between Heath Road, Winston Court, and Tuckerton Road
According to officials, the fire reported in the area of Tuckerton Road was larger than the fire in the area of Taunton Boulevard.
Firefighters contained the brush fire to an approximate area of 100 feet by 150 feet and it was eventually extinguished, according to the report.
No additional fires have been reported since Jan. 21, according to police.
According to Lt. Jeffrey Wagner, persons of interest have been identified in the case. Police will not be releasing any further information of the suspects’ identity due to the ongoing investigation.
“We’re seeking the public’s help,” said Wagner. “Especially if they have seen any information on social media, we’re asking them to report it to us for leads.”
Wagner is asking for residents to pay attention to social media feeds for anyone bragging about criminal activity related to the case.
“We’re asking parents to keep an eye on their kids’ Facebook pages and to report anything suspicious,” Wagner said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Medford Township Police Criminal Investigations Bureau by phone at (609) 654–7375 or the confidential tip line at (609) 714–0302.
For additional information, visit the Medford Township Police Facebook page, www.face book.com/pages/Medford-Town ship-Police-Department/16754042 9960234?fref=ts.
