CNBNews

WOODBURY, NJ (February 25, 2024)--On Sunday, February 11, 2024, during the early morning hours, the Woodbury City Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, as the result of an exhaustive joint investigation, arrested 19-year-old Michael M. Lopez-Medina of Woodbury. Lopez-Medina was linked to the following three (3) arson fires within the City of Woodbury: 

1. February 1, 2024 - Vehicle Fire - Salem Avenue
2. February 3, 2024 - Shed Fire - Carriage House Apartments, 568 N. Evergreen Avenue
3. February 7, 2024 – Structure Fire - Sketch Player’s Club, 433 Glover Street 

Lopez-Medina has been charged with the following offenses:

(3) Counts of Aggravated Arson - 2C:17-A(2) – Second Degree Crime

(1) Count of Aggravated Assault – 2C:12-1B(8) - Fire Fighter Injury – Third Degree Crime

Lopez-Medina was processed and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility pending further proceedings. Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of their rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State Law.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Woodbury Police Department joined forces to aggressively pursue the individual responsible for the three fires, realizing that the prospect of additional fires was real and posed a significant risk to the community. Detectives and officers worked tirelessly around the clock, collecting and analyzing evidence and pursuing investigative leads as they developed.

This investigation remains ongoing at this time. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office encourages any witnesses with information regarding this crime to call Detective Alex Phillips of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-384-5529 or Detective Brandon Volk of the Woodbury Police Department at 856-845-0065 Ext. 144. Information can also be e-mailed to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at [email protected].