By: Richard L. Smith
A Rutherford man has been arrested in connection with a fire intentionally set in a hotel room during a dispute, according to information released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced that 55-year-old Vincente Carabello faces multiple charges, including aggravated arson, arson, risking widespread injury or damage, criminal mischief, and assault.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 9, at approximately 11:24 a.m., when the East Rutherford Police Department and East Rutherford Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at the Fairfield Inn hotel.
Authorities determined that a guest had intentionally set fire to a room following an argument with hotel staff. Carabello fled the scene before police arrived.
First responders extinguished the fire, which had activated the sprinkler system, and safely evacuated all hotel guests.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The East Rutherford Police Department sought assistance from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Task Force. Investigators determined that Carabello had intentionally set fire to his room before assaulting a hotel staff member while fleeing the property.
The staff member sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.
Carabello was later located and arrested by detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the East Rutherford Police Department.
He now faces several charges stemming from the incident as authorities continue their investigation.
This case highlights the swift response and collaboration between local law enforcement and county investigators.