Man charged with aggravated arson after massive fire burns home in Woodbridge, New Jersey
WOODBRIDGE, New Jersey (WABC) -- A man has been arrested for allegedly starting a massive fire that burned a home to the ground in New Jersey.
Anthony Burke, 57, is charged with several counts of aggravated arson, aggravated assault and obstruction in connection to the fire.
Woodbridge Police responded to the scene on McGuire Street just after 3 a.m. on Thursday for reports of a house on fire.
Police on scene quickly suspected the house fire was an act of arson and began their investigation.
Police later encountered the suspect and tried to talk with him, but a struggled ensued, injuring four officers. They were taken to the hospital for treatment along with the suspect, who reportedly injured himself while setting the fire.
According to officials, Burke is believed to own the home that caught on fire, which will likely be taken down. Five other homes were also damaged because of the fire.
Residents on the block were still sleeping when police knocked on their door and told them to evacuate.
"The fire was so bad at the time, we had know idea what happened" said eyewitness Anton Ignatious. "All of the sudden we hear the banging on the door, the police came and banging on all these doors, and we came out and see all these massive flames over there."
Many residents who had to evacuate sat outside in their cars and waited until they were allowed to go back to their homes around 6 a.m.
Carole Mayti was one of the residents who was forced to evacuate their home. She was asleep in her bedroom next to the home believed to be owned by Burke.
Mayti has lived in the home for 44 years and lost her husband in September. She kept his cherished ring next to her bed, but left it behind when she fled from her burning home in slippers and a robe.
Mayti has lost everything and had already begun preparing for Christmas.
She is receiving an outpouring of support from family and friends and holds no grudges against Burke.
Mayti's spirit is lifting her above the tragic loss of her home. She suffered smoke inhalation but is already recovering and says her strength comes from the heavens above.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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