2 Shot Flare Gun Through Window Of Barnegat Home, Ignited Fire: Prosecutor

BARNEGAT, NJ — Two 18-year-olds are accused of shooting a flare gun through the window of a Barnegat home, causing the window curtains to ignite, before fleeing the scene, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Kaele Principato of Barnegat and Lucas Pyle of Egg Harbor City are both charged with aggravated arson and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with the June 7, 2025 incident, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

It was shortly before 3 p.m. that day when Barnegat police and firefighters were dispatched to a Schooner Avenue home for report of a residential fire, Billhimer said.

Upon arrival, they found that there was no active fire; it had been extinguished by the residents, Billhimer said.

Investigation found that the fire started in the living room and was caused by someone shooting a flare gun through a window - causing the curtains to catch fire, Billhimer said.

Further investigation identified Principato and Pyle as the people who fired the flare gun and fled the scene, Billhimer said.

The duo was taken into custody on June 9, Billhimer said. They were taken to Ocean County Jail where they presently are lodged pending a detention hearing.