Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott, Announced the arrest of Mr. Peralta-Gomez, 23, of Paterson, and charged him with an arson that took place early this morning at 50 Clinton Street.
After a thorough investigation authorities charged Mr. Peralta-Gomez with Aggravated Arson, in the second degree and Creating a Risk of Widespread Injury in the fourth degree.
Authorities said at approximately 1:00, a.m., police and firefighters responded to 50 Clinton Street in response to a residential Fire officials said the location is a multi-family apartment building with 11 units which were all occupied at the time.
Upon firefighter's arrival, they located an active fire in one of the basement apartments.
Crews contained the blaze to the apartment where the fire originated and one adjoining apartment.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with no injuries reported.
As a result of the subsequent investigation, police determined that Mr. Peralta-Gomez had intentionally started the fire in the closet of his apartment.
Alberto Peralta-Gomez is scheduled to appear at Central Judicial Processing on February 5, 2018 at 1:30, p.m.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org. Anyone with additional information may also contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321- 1120.