Tuesday, May 16, 2017

SERIAL ARSONIST ON THE LOOSE IN GLASSBORO, NJ: Fire that destroyed the home of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers in Glassboro, NJ was case of arson


















Fire that destroyed Glassboro, NJ home was case of arson, officials say


GLASSBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities say an early morning fire that destroyed a home in Glassboro, New Jersey was a case of arson.

The flames broke out around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of Hamilton Road.




Watch viewer video and Action Cam raw video of a fire in Glassboro, NJ that destroyed a home and several cars.
Video taken by Action News viewer Jeffrey Jennett at the scene showed heavy flames consuming the residence.

The fire spread from the home to several parked cars before firefighters got the upper hand.

No injuries were reported.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said investigators have determined the fire was deliberately set.

Several small brush fires were reported in over several blocks in the same area.

Investigators are working to determine who set the fires and why.



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By Caitlyn Stulpin

cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com,

For NJ.com

GLASSBORO -- After a series of fires in Glassboro, the most recently displacing five fraternity brothers, an official arson investigation has been launched.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, Glassboro Police and the Gloucester County Fire Marshal's Office are working together on an investigation after determining that an early morning fire at 411 Hamilton Road was an act of arson.

The fire, which started in the garage and quickly spread -- igniting cars, a carport and making its way all the way through the house, left five brothers of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity homeless.

One brother, Ryan Alwine, 21, and his girlfriend, 23-year-old Elisa Obedoza, were sleeping in the house when the fire broke out. Neighbors knocked on the doors, waking them up and alerting them to exit the house immediately. According to Obedoza, everything was lost besides the few things they were able to grab on their way out.

No one was injured in the fire and Rowan University is taking steps to help the students find new housing.

The Prosecutor's Officer said in a statement that several small brush fires have occurred in that same area which are being considered in the arson investigation.

No arrests have been made yet.