Charles Maulbeck, 51, of Toms River, has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with a fire that erupted at a residence on Falkenberg Road in Brick Township on September 13.
On the evening of the incident, Brick Township Police Officers, while on routine patrol, noticed heavy smoke and flames emanating from the property. During the fire suppression efforts, three firefighters sustained injuries. One firefighter declined medical attention at the scene, while two others were treated at a local medical facility and later released.
An extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and the Brick Township Bureau of Fire Safety determined that the fire originated from the north side of the split basement. Investigators concluded that the cause of the fire was incendiary, involving an open flame applied to available combustibles by an unknown individual or individuals.
Following further investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the High Tech Crime Squad, and the Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Maulbeck was identified as the person responsible for starting the fire.
On Monday, Maulbeck was served with the charge while in custody at the Ocean County Jail on an unrelated matter. Authorities continue to investigate the case as Maulbeck awaits further legal proceedings.