Newark Police investigate two attempted arsons

Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:45 a.m., Sept. 21, with the addition of surveillance images and a description of the suspect.

7:53 p.m., Sept. 20, 2014--The Newark Police Department is investigating two attempted arsons that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 20, in the 100 block of Victoria Court, Newark. 

At approximately 12:17 a.m., Newark officers, along with the Aetna Fire Department, responded to a report of a fire at an apartment in the 100 block of Victoria Court. When officers and the fire department arrived, they learned that the fire had been extinguished by the residents of the apartment. 

Through an investigation it was determined that an unknown suspect entered the home through an unsecured rear door while two 21-year-old residents were in their bedrooms. The unknown suspect placed loose pieces of mail on the stove and then lit the burners before fleeing the home. The two residents were alerted to the fire by the smoke alarm. They then used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, which was contained to the stove top. 

At approximately 12:28 a.m., while officers were still on scene investigating the first fire, they were approached by a resident of a nearby apartment, also in the 100 block of Victoria Court. That resident reported that he came home to find his apartment filled with smoke. He discovered that an unknown suspect had placed a roll of paper towels on the stove and then lit the burners. The fire had burned itself out and was limited to the stove top. It is unknown if this residence was locked prior to entry by the unknown suspect. There were no signs of forced entry. 

Newark Police have released surveillance images of the suspect involved in these two incidents. The suspect is described as a college-aged white male with dark colored short hair, wearing maroon or red pants, and dark colored sneakers with white laces. The suspect was not wearing a shirt.

Newark Police are reminding residents to secure their homes and report any and all suspicious activity to the police immediately by dialing 911. 

Anyone with additional information about this incident should contact Cpl. Daniel Marsilii at 302-366-7110 ext. 9554 or daniel.marsilii@cj.state.de.us Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD, with the message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available.

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Images courtesy of Newark Police Department