According to police, 29-year-old Rashawn Washington was walking down the street, setting napkins on fire and throwing them into vehicles with open windows.
Washington may have set as many as four vehicles on fire, authorities said.
"It wasn't that difficult to catch him," said Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly. "It's just the opportunity and quick thinking of people that saw him to contact the police and get us down here as quickly as possible."
Washington is also accused of lighting mattresses on fire.
The Jersey City Fire Department responded and put out all of the fires.
No one was injured and charges against Washington are pending.
----------
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube