Police in Newark are reporting the arrest of Mr. Naim Workman, 34, of Newark, during last night’s 2-alarm Fire at 179 Hobson Street.
Police said at approximately 9:50 p.m., firefighters responded to a call of a fire on the second floor of the residence. A second alarm was immediately sounded, with some 70 firefighters in total responding.
According to police, before firefighters arrived, police had been called to the residence in response to a burglary in progress and assault.
A man who the burglary victim knows had entered the residence and used lighter fluid to ignite clothing on a sofa in the living room area.
The suspect threw the inflamed garments at police and kicked and fought an officer before fleeing to the balcony. He then jumped from the balcony and was immediately arrested.
Workman faces charges of burglary, resisting arrest and aggravated assault upon a police officer. He also is charged with contempt on two outstanding warrants.
Other charges are pending.
Police say Workman was transported to University Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Police at the scene were also transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The fire was considered under control at 10:44 p.m.
This fire remains under investigation by the Newark Fire Division’s Arson Unit.