By Anthony G. Attrino
Source nj.com
A New Jersey man faces multiple arson and assault charges after police say he set a fire early Thursday that destroyed his home and damaged five neighboring houses.
Officers responded at about 3 a.m. to 911 calls reporting a large house fire on McGuire Street in the Menlo Park Terrace section of Woodbridge.
“It was quickly determined by officers that the fire was arson,” Woodbridge Police Capt. Brian Murphy said.
Murphy said officers encountered a man who they believed started the fire, and when they tried to talk with him, a struggle ensued that left four of the officers injured.
The fire destroyed the house, which Murphy said will likely be taken down. Five other houses were damaged, he said.
The homeowner, Anthony Burke, 57, was arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated arson, six counts of aggravated assault and one count of obstruction.
Burke, who appeared to have hurt himself setting the fire, was taken along with the officers to a local hospital, where they were treated for various injuries, Murphy said.
Attorney information for Burke was not immediately available early Friday.
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