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Jorge Euxaque-Ballesteros has been charged with aggravated arson and burglary following the fire on Cross Street in Lakewood around 2 a.m., Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
Lakewood police officers and firefighters responded to the building for a sprinkler system alarm, where they found the fire in the basement of the business. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.
Euxaque-Ballesteros had used an open flame to ignite cardboard and paper in the basement. Later in the day, Euxaque-Ballesteros was taken into custody in Toms River by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad and Lakewood Police Department.
He was transported to Lakewood Police Headquarters, processed, and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, helped with the investigation.
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