By: Richard L. Smith
An overnight fire outside a Newark church is under investigation after video obtained by RLS Media appears to show a man intentionally igniting the entrance to the building while people were inside.
According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, firefighters responded at approximately 12:06 a.m. Saturday, March 14, to a report of a fire at a church located at 136 Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
When crews arrived, they discovered flames outside on the sidewalk directly in front of the church. Officials said the fire did not extend into the church building and no injuries were reported.
Authorities stated that the cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit.
However, video obtained by RLS Media shows a man carrying what appears to be a gasoline can approaching the entrance of the church, identified as Centro Familiar Casa de Dios.
In the footage, the individual appears to pour a liquid near the doorway before spending several seconds striking a match.
The video then shows the suspect tossing the lit match toward the entrance area, igniting flames near one of the church doors.
Sources familiar with the church told RLS Media that the individual seen in the video may be known to members of the congregation.
Those same sources said several parishioners were inside the church at the time of the incident.
The fire was quickly brought under control and damage appeared to be limited to the area near the entrance.
The incident remains under investigation by Newark authorities. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Department of Public Safety.