Man Torches NJ Public Works Building Hours After Release From Custody, Police Say

PARAMUS, NJ — A 32-year-old Canastota, N.Y. man set fire to a public works building hours after being released from police custody on an attempted burglary charge, authorities said.

Jonathan Gardner was arrested by Paramus police on Sunday and charged with attempted burglary, causing false public alarm, and possession of burglary tools, according to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti.

He allegedly smashed the glass door of Capital One Bank on Route 17 North, damaged the ATM with a hammer, then went to Dunkin Donuts and told police he'd been robbed there.

He was released on his own recognizance after being charged.

But according to a spokesperson from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, the series of crimes didn't end there.

Shortly after 1 a.m. Monday, police in Paterson arrived at 800 Broadway to investigate the report of a fire.

While on the scene, officers were "shown a video of a man pouring gasoline on the structure behind the DPW building and lighting it on fire," said Rob Rowan, a spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office, which took over the Paterson Police Department in March 2023.

Gardner was sitting near the scene and was recognized by officers, Rowan said.

Gardner is currently in the Bergen County jail, charged with second-degree aggravated arson, as well as third-degree burglary and criminal mischief, Rowan said.

See earlier reporting here: Man Broke Into Bank, Then Told Police He Was Robbed At Donut Shop: Cops