Police offcials in Newark announced the arrest of Mr. Edlink S. Salcedo, 47, of Jersey City, and Mr. Keith Cunniffe, 35, of Bayonne, for aggravated arson in an incident that occurred on February 17, 2019.
According to a statement released by Newark Police, members of the Newark Fire Division responded to a vehicle fire at 1211 Broad Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. Firefighters extinguished a white 2004 Chevy van and an arson investigation was initiated to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Officials say arson investigators obtained video footage of two men in two separate vehicles, arriving at a gas station on McCarter Highway before the incident.
One of the men purchased gasoline in a container, then they both drove to the area where the van was located and poured the gas on two parked vans. One van ignited and the men fled.
Police say investigators identified Salcedo as a suspect in this incident then arrested him on June 20. Cunniffe was arrested on December 19, according to police.
Both men face charges of aggravated arson and conspiracy to commit arson, according to Newark Police.
These charges are merely accusations. Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.