Man Torches South Brunswick Home After Fight With Girlfriend: Police

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A 50-year-old South Brunswick man was charged with arson after he set his girlfriend's house on fire in South Brunswick on Tuesday, Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.

Leonard Jones IV is facing aggravated arson and domestic violence charges after he set his girlfriend's home on fire after an argument, Hayducka said.

Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, South Brunswick Police received a 911 call from a resident at 155 Old Beekman Road, asking police to make Jones leave the home following an argument.

While officers were responding, a second 911 call reported the house was on fire, Hayducka said.

The first officer arrived within a minute and saw fire through the roof of the home. Jones and three people who lived in the house made it out safely, police said.

Officer Nicole Clark, Det. Rick Delucia and South Brunswick Deputy Fire Marshal Eric Murnieks investigated the fire and arrested Jones on scene, Hayducka said.

He was lodged in the Middlesex County Correction Center pending his first court appearance.

All three Township fire companies – Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and Kingston responded to the fire, along with several surrounding fire departments.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call (732) 329-4000 ext. 7469.