FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A 56-year-old New Brunswick man, Perfecto Quintana (also known as Perfecto Quintana Montes), has been charged with aggravated arson following a fire that displaced 15 residents and resulted in the deaths of two pets.
The fire broke out around 3:45 p.m. on October 2 at an apartment building on Home Street in the Somerset section of Franklin Township. Firefighters from various local departments responded and extinguished the one-alarm blaze, which damaged the building and affected three families comprising 11 adults and four juveniles. Fortunately, no residents were injured.
Efforts to rescue a dog and cat found inside the apartment were unsuccessful, and both were pronounced dead by Franklin Township Animal Control. The American Red Cross provided temporary shelter for the displaced families.
Investigators, including detectives from the Franklin Township Police and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, utilized video surveillance to identify Quintana as a suspect. Allegedly, the footage showed him arriving in a vehicle and approaching the building carrying a container. Moments later, he reportedly left the scene with an empty pitcher.
After witnesses reported seeing Quintana in the area, police stopped him and noted signs of intoxication. He was subsequently arrested and charged with several offenses, including second-degree aggravated arson and two counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty. Quintana is currently held in Somerset County Jail awaiting a court hearing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533. Anonymity is available for tips submitted via SCPO.TIPS or the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
