In a shocking turn of events, 35-year-old Christopher Vasseghi of Walnut Street in Newark has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire in an apartment complex and smashing a car in Bayonne. Vasseghi was taken into custody on March 9th for a previous reported aggravated arson incident and was charged with two counts of aggravated arson and causing/risking widespread injury or damage.
The Bayonne Police Department responded to a call on March 9th at 4:40 am reporting an individual who had started a fire in the third-floor hallway of the apartment complex on East 11th Street. Investigation revealed that Vasseghi had set fire to cardboard boxes and fled the area. Fortunately, the Bayonne Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire before it spread.
In a separate incident, officers responded to a call on March 11th at 5:45 am reporting criminal mischief to a parked car on East 11th Street. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle with a shattered windshield and dented hood with a cinder block resting on the hood of the car. Investigation revealed that an individual was observed fleeing from the area after a loud crashing noise was heard on March 10th at 7:00 pm. Vasseghi was identified as the actor and charged with criminal mischief, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Vasseghi was already in custody and being processed for the arson incident when he was charged with the criminal mischief. Bayonne Police Department Detective Bureau conducted the investigation leading to the identification and arrest of Vasseghi.
The motive for these incidents is still unknown, and Vasseghi is being held on multiple charges.
