By: Najla Alexander
Somerset County authorities announced the arrest of Dashawn Holmes, 40, of Somerville, in relation to an arson that occurred in the late evening hours of October 25.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Wednesday, October 25, at approximately 11:57 p.m., officers from the Somerville Police Department and Fire Department responded to a fire alarm activation at an apartment building located on East Main Street.
Upon arrival, officials stated the Somerville Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire.
While on scene, Somerville Firefighters located a tenant unconscious in the apartment, officials said.
According to officials, the tenant, identified as Dashawn Holmes, was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The Somerville Fire Marshall responded to the scene and determined the fire to be suspicious in nature, officials say.
Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene and Fire Investigation Unit and Major Crimes Unit, along with detectives from the Somerville Police Department, responded to investigate.
Authorities say the investigation revealed that Dashawn Holmes intentionally set fire to the apartment.
As a result of this investigation, on Monday, October 30, 2023, defendant Dashawn Holmes was arrested in Toms River without incident and charged with 3rd degree Arson, officials said.
Officials say defendant Dashawn Holmes was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter.
