TOMS RIVER – An Ocean County judge ruled Wednesday that a Little Egg Harbor Township man accused of throwing a lit Molotov cocktail at a house while the homeowners were inside can remain on home confinement while awaiting trial.
The decision was handed down shortly after 2 p.m. July 8 by Superior Court Judge Wendel Daniels. Prosecutors had argued that John Algor Jr., 24, should remain detained, but Daniels allowed him to be released under strict conditions.
Algor is barred from contacting the victim or going near the Oneida Lake Drive home authorities say he targeted.
Algor, of Little Egg Harbor Township, is charged with aggravated arson, possession of a destructive device and hindering apprehension in connection with the July 1 incident. If convicted of the charges, Algor could face up to 10 years in prison.
Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Foti said police and firefighters were called to the home around 11:30 p.m. after the victim heard a loud bang and found a fire outside the house.
Authorities said surveillance footage from a Ring camera showed Algor arriving on a motorcycle, lighting an object and throwing a glass container filled with combustible material soaked in an ignitable liquid. Prosecutors said he walked up to the porch and threw the device toward the front door.
The homeowner was able to use a garden hose to put out the flames before the fire spread, authorities said.
Investigators said Algor knew the residents of the home and that ongoing harassment issues between the parties led up to the alleged attack. According to an affidavit filed in the case, the firebombing was allegedly intended to intimidate the people inside.
Video provided to Jersey Shore Online appears to show a suspect igniting the object before throwing it at the home.
Detectives from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad later searched Algor’s property. Authorities said they found a motorcycle hidden under a tarp with its license plates removed.
Investigators also recovered explosive residue as part of the investigation, officials said.
Algor was arrested and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending Wednesday’s detention hearing. He appeared visibly shaken in court as defense attorney Marissa Koerner argued for his release.
Authorities said Algor was previously arrested on a simple assault charge in March 2025 and a criminal mischief charge in 2021.
Algor’s next court appearance is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 28 before Judge Ryan.
