WALL – A Toms River man has admitted to setting a group of commercial vehicles belonging to a local business in Wall Township ablaze, officials said.
Harcourt “Paul” S. Ward, 70, pleaded guilty to third-degree Arson. As a result of his plea, the State has recommended that Ward face three years in a New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced, tentatively scheduled for March 22.
On September 26, 2022, around 10:11 p.m., police were alerted of a fire at 1900 Atlantic Avenue. Members of the Wall Township Police Department and Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office found a total of six vehicles on fire.
Authorities determined that Ward, of Ward Realty and Insurance in Point Pleasant, was the person responsible for purposely setting the vehicles on fire. The estimated value of the damage caused was over $1 million, officials said.
