8 Charged In Fire Set At Gloucester Township Field Of Dreams

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Eight people have been charged in connection with an arson incident that took place at the Gloucester Township Field of Dreams last month, police announced Thursday morning.

Eight juveniles were caught on surveillance video walking across the field to a trash can near third base at about 2 a.m. on July 29, according to Gloucester Township police.

One set fire to a 55-gallon plastic trash can, while another attempted to set fire to a plastic bottle that was in the dugout, police said. They then fled as the fire in the trashcan grew excessively large, police said.

Police were called to the scene to extinguish the fire at 9:33 a.m., police said. Police obtained surveillance footage e from the Gloucester Township owned security video surveillance cameras that are permanently mounted to help protect the special needs softball field.

Police then released the video and images of the juveniles to the public in an effort to find those responsible for the blaze. Read more here: Arson At Gloucester Township Field Of Dreams Under Investigation

Police said they received numerous tips, including several on their anonymous tip line that helped them narrow their search to certain juveniles in the local area.

Police interviewed numerous juveniles in the company of their parents or guardians, and most were cooperative. As a result, juveniles were charged.

One boy was charged with one count of third-degree arson and one count of criminal trespass. Four boys and three girls were charged with one count each of criminal trespass.

“The Gloucester Township Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in this investigation that included the sharing of the social media posts related to the arson and the tips that were received that ultimately culminated with the arrests in this investigation,” police said in a statement. “The turf field is currently in the process of being remediated so that it can be enjoyed again by all participants.”

Anyone who has additional information in reference to this investigation is asked to call, the Gloucester Township Police Department at 856-228-4500 or call the GTPD Anonymous Crime Tip Line: 856-842-5560.

To send an Anonymous Tip Via text message to Gloucester Township Police, text the keyword TIP GLOTWPPD and your tip message to 888777. You may also click here to leave an anonymous tip: https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/5170177.