Toms River Arsonist Admits Torching 6 Commercial Vehicles

A Toms River man admitted to torching six commercial vehicles at a business in Monmouth County, authorities said.

A crusier outside of the Wall Township (NJ) Police Department.
Photo Credit: *Facebook - Wall Township Police Department*

01/19/2024 3:57 p.m.

Harcourt "Paul" Ward, 70, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Jan. 2, to third-degree arson, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced on Friday, Jan. 19. As part of his plea deal, the state has recommended three years in prison for Ward.

Wall Township police were called to a fire on the 1900 block of Atlantic Avenue just after 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Officers and firefighters found six commercial vehicles on fire. The fire caused more than $1 million in estimated damage.

Prosecutors said Ward intentionally set the vehicles on fire. Ward was the owner of Ward Realty and Insurance in Point Pleasant, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Ward is scheduled for sentencing on Friday, Mar. 22, 2024.

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