New Jersey woman sets man’s home ablaze after he calls her for late-night sex but falls asleep
WOODBURY, NEW JERSEY: A 29-year-old New Jersey woman has been charged after setting a man's home ablaze. The woman took the step because the man had invited her for late-night sex, but fell asleep and did not open his door, police said.
Taijia Russell of Gloucester Township was arrested after officers from the Woodbury City Police Department (WCPD) were dispatched to a residence on 217 S. Barber Avenue on August 4 on reports of a dwelling fire, according to a press release.
The fire was brought to the attention of the authorities by a male who said he had woken up to find his home engulfed in flames.
He said he then ran two-tenths of a mile from his house to the police station, wearing only a t-shirt to ask for help.
He was later transported to Inspira Hospital, where he was treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
On arrival, officers found the residence and its contents "completely destroyed" by the flames.
The Woodbury Fire Department, along with other nearby fire agencies, were called to the scene to assist and were able to successfully extinguish the fire.
The Fire Department also rescued a dog from the residence. The WCPD announced that both the victim and his dog were recovering well.
An initial investigation into the fire showed signs of arson, and detectives established a crime scene. After speaking with witnesses and reviewing several hours' of surveillance footage from the area, they narrowed in on Russell as the primary suspect.
The New York Post reported that detectives uncovered texts which the 29-year-old sent the victim which appeared to show that she had been jilted by him the night of the fire.
She had then sent him multiple threatening texts, one of which read, "You wasted my money to come out here. I see you wanna die."
The victim confirmed he had invited Russell over for some late-night sex and that she was a "side chick" with whom he had been having a sexual relationship. He said he had then forgotten about her and fallen asleep.
Police said Russell had been angered by the victim and had gone to a nearby gas station to purchase lighter fluid, matches, and a lighter.
They said she set a fire outside the sole doorway to the man's home and then fled the scene as the flames spread.
Surveillance video captured outside the house shows her outside "just prior to the fire," a probable cause statement says.
The WCPD subsequently charged Russell with Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Assault, Endangering/Creating Substantial Risk of Death, and Criminal Mischief in connection to the incident.
On August 13, with the assistance of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit and US Marshals Task Force – Camden Division, Russell was located in Gloucester Township and taken into custody.
The 29-year-old was transported back to the WCPD, where she was processed for the charges and eventually lodged in the Salem County Jail.
Anyone with any additional information about this incident has been advised to contact Detective Corporal Alex Phillips of the Woodbury Police Department at 856-845-0065 Ext. 130.