Two Charged with Burning Man Burglarizing Vehicle

Two men were charged with aggravated arson and aggravated assault charges Saturday afternoon after allegedly burning a man they believed was vandalizing their van, Newark police said.

Leaver Harper, 33, of Newark, and Deon Mitchell, 43, of Union, were both charged with aggravated arson, robbery, conspiracy and two counts each of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon in the incident.

Police responded to a report of a fire on Osborne Terrace at 1 p.m. Saturday, where they found a 43-year-old Newark resident with visible burns throughout his body. Investigators were told the man had been burned after Harper and Mitchell found him burglarizing their van, then threw the liquid on him and ignited it.

The victim was transported to UMDNJ for treatment and is listed in stable condition.