Three Men Arrested for Illegal Dumping, Arson in Newark

The Newark Fire Department's Arson Squad netted three arrests for illegal dumping and arson this month, authorities announced.

Edwin R. Villanueva, of Newark's North Ward, was charged with aggravated arson after allegedly intentionally setting a shed on fire June 16 at 442 Summer Ave. Arson squad detectives who investigated the fire, which broke out in a shed attached to a residential building, found it to be filled with tires and construction debris. The detectives determine the fire had been internally set and learned that Villanueva had been seen fleeing from the fire after it began.

"Arson is one of the most serious crimes in the city of Newark, and our Arson Squad works pro-actively to both prevent and address incidents of arson," said Fire Director Fateen Ziyad in a statement.

On June 19, an anonymous tip led to the arrest of Brian P. Ferreira, of Hillside, and Segundo Zaruma, owner of MMZ Construction Company on Vesey Street. The two men were caught on videotape allegedly illegally dumping at 200 Emmet Street in the East Ward on June 18 and 19. Both men were charged with illegal dumping and transportation of solid waste.

"Illegally dumped materials can cause dangerous fires," said Fire Chief John Centanni in a statement. "I urge residents to who have any knowledge of incidents of arson or illegal dumping to report them to 973-733-7511."

– Staff reports