BOUND BROOK, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and Bound Brook Chief of Police Vito Bet announced the arrest of Juan Hector Padilla, 28, of East Second Street, Bound Brook, in relation to the seven-alarm fire that began at the construction site of the Meridia II building, located on East Main Street and Mountain Avenue in Bound Brook.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on January 12, 2020, at approximately 7:53 p.m., the Bound Brook Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at the Meridia II building located on East Main Street and Mountain Avenue.
The Bound Brook Fire Department, along with thirty-six fire companies from Somerset, Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties, as well as the New Jersey State Forestry Service responded to the scene in an attempt to suppress the fire.
Due to radiant heat and wind, the fire spread quickly throughout the building and to adjacent buildings located on Main Street.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that detectives from Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the Bound Brook Police Department, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit, fire officials from Somerset County, and State and Federal investigators responded to the scene to collaboratively conduct the fire investigation.
As a result of the investigation, a male, later identified as Juan Hector Padilla, was seen walking in the area of the Meridia II building several times leading up to the fire.
Officials say a further investigation revealed that defendant Juan Hector Padilla was the individual responsible for the fire at the Meridia II building. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is on-going by investigators.
As a result of this investigation, on Monday, January 13, defendant Mr. Juan Hector Padilla was arrested and charged with 2nd degree Aggravated Arson and 3rd degree Hindering Investigation Apprehension/False Information. Defendant Juan Hector Padilla was lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson would also like to thank members of the Bureau of the Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearm and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office that assisted in this investigation.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor, and Chief Bet request anyone with information to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Bound Brook Police Department at (732) 356-0800 or make a report via the STOPit app.