Man Set American Flag On Fire, Smashed Store Door, Secaucus Police Say

SECAUCUS, NJ — A West New York man threw a rock through the glass door of a Secaucus hair salon and also set someone's American flag on fire on Front Street, allege Secaucus Police.

The hair studio is Spotless Mind salon, also located on Front Street.

In the early morning hours of June 28, Secaucus Police responded to the hair salon for a report of criminal mischief. The owner reported that during the night someone had thrown a large rock through the glass front door, shattering it.

Later that same morning, police were also called to a home on Front Street a short distance from Spotless Mind. The resident reported that someone set her American flag on fire. The fire burned the flag, its pole and charred some of the home's siding and police say the fire could have extended into the home. The fire then burned itself out.

After a week-long investigation, Secaucus Police identified Joherik D. Urena, 30, of West New York, and say he is responsible for both acts. He was arrested at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Urena is charged with arson and criminal mischief. He was released, pending his appearance in court.

“I commend the collective investigative efforts of the Secaucus Police detectives and I am proud of their swift and diligent work,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “I am extremely grateful that the fire did not spread further to the residence where the residents laid asleep. I also commend the Secaucus PBA Local 84 who met with the resident and provided them with a new symbol of our freedom.”