A New York woman is facing an arson charge after authorities say she intentionally set a fire inside a Toms River hotel late Wednesday night.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Constance Koeper, 34, of Elmsford, New York, was charged on Jan. 28 in connection with a fire at the Avon Hotel in Toms River Township.
Police and fire crews responded to the hotel at approximately 11:23 p.m. after a fire alarm was activated. When first responders arrived, they found smoke inside the building.
Investigators later determined that the fire originated in a room located in the southeast corner of the hotel. Authorities said the blaze was intentionally set using an open flame on available combustible materials.
A joint investigation by county and local law enforcement agencies identified Koeper as the person responsible for setting the fire, officials said.
No injuries were reported in the incident. The extent of damage to the hotel was not immediately released.
Wow, this is a shocking story. I can’t believe someone would intentionally set a fire in a hotel. It’s good to hear that the authorities responded quickly and identified the suspect. Stay safe, everyone!