Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced that Richard Shashaty, 37, of Brick Township, has been charged with Arson and Firearms Violations in connection to the wildfire that erupted in Jackson Township three days ago.
The fire, which began around 12:15 p.m. near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road, quickly spread, consuming approximately 350 acres. Jackson Township Police and Fire Departments, along with the NJDEP’s Forest Fire Service, responded to the scene. A multi-agency investigation revealed that the fire originated in the southwest corner of the Rifle Range. Officials determined the cause to be magnesium shards from a “Dragon’s Breath” 12-gauge shotgun round, which ignited combustibles in the area. The use of this type of incendiary or tracer ammunition is illegal in New Jersey.
Further investigation identified Shashaty as the individual responsible for firing the prohibited ammunition that sparked the blaze. Shashaty voluntarily surrendered to Jackson Township Police Headquarters, accompanied by his attorney. He is currently being held at Ocean County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Commissioner LaTourette commended the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, NJ Forest Fire Service, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Jackson Township Police Detective Bureau, NJ State Fire Marshal’s Office, NJ State Police Office of Emergency Management, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their work in investigating the case.