At approximately 1:20 am on Sunday, Glen Ridge police responded to a residence on Clinton Road on reports of a fire. Arriving officers observed a small fire on the lawn, which they quickly extinguished. Officers at the scene located a device known as a Molotov cocktail. There were no injuries to anyone and there was no substantial damage to the residence. The Montclair Fire Department also responded to the scene.

An investigation conducted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Glen Ridge Police Department’s detective bureau has led to the arrest of James Fiol, 18, of Glen Ridge. Fiol has been charged with Arson, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Mischief. Bail was set at $10,000 by the Honorable Robert Gardner, J.S.C.

Acting Prosecutor Murray commends the investigative efforts of the Glen Ridge detectives as well as work of the detectives and Assistant Prosecutors from her office’s Major Crimes Unit. Chief Byron Lagatutta also commended the efforts of the detectives of both agencies and praised the collaborative effort of her officers and the Prosecutor’s detectives.

At this point in the investigation, this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no known connection between the suspect and the residents of the home on Clinton Road, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly. The investigation is ongoing at this time, according to Fennelly and anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force at (877) 847-7432 and (973) 621-4586. The charges against Fiol will be presented to an Essex County Grand Jury.

The charges against this defendant are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent at this time. No further information is available at this time.