TOMS RIVER – A Toms River man was charged with breaking into a home, stealing a laptop, then setting part of the home on fire, officials said.
John Voltolino Jr., 45, was charged with Aggravated Arson, Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief.
Officials said Voltolino Jr. broke into a home on Sun Valley Road around 5 p.m. September 4. The homeowner, which was Voltolino Jr.’s father, reported to police that his son broke in and stole a laptop.
Officers found a broken window in the bathroom on the first floor, as well as blood throughout the home. Police also detected a strong odor of gasoline and found an extinguished fire on the living room floor along with a gasoline container.
Police determined that Voltolino Jr. did break in and steal the laptop and also determined that a fire had been intentionally set by him in the living room using an open flame, paper towels, and the gasoline container.
Voltolino Jr. was discovered in a wooded area behind the home and placed under arrest. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
